Finance Minister Pledges to Ensure Reduced Inflation Benefits Reach the People, Targets Middlemen

On April 12, 2025, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb addressed the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of reduced inflation directly reach the common man, without interference from middlemen. He acknowledged that the salaried class bears the tax burden through income tax deductions at source but assured that relief measures for this segment are being considered. Aurangzeb also highlighted the government’s efforts to privatize 24 national entities and increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 13% to provide broader relief to various sectors. He identified the Information Technology (IT) and mineral sectors as “game changers” for Pakistan’s economy, aiming to attract both local and foreign investment.