- Rs 10/liter reduction on petrol
- Rs 5/unit reduction in electricity
- 100% tax reduced for IT Freelancer
- IT tax-free for Startups
- No Capital Gains Tax for Startups
- Internships
- Tax exemption for sick units
- Tax holiday for Overseas doing JV with industries
- Cheap loan for low cost housing
- Ehsaas Kafalat Stipend increased
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: In a bid to provide massive relief to the people, Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced to slash petroleum prices by Rs 10 per liter with immediate effect, and not to pass on the impact of global petrol hike to the consumer for next four months.
In his televised address to the nation on Monday, the prime minister also announced Rs 5 per unit relief for low & middle income electricity consumers, and all commercial consumers. From the relief, 95% consumers will benefit.
On the instructions of the PM, Fuel Cost Adjustments that have been incurred in electricity bills (due to rise in prices of imported fuels) since last few months to the tune of Rs 4-5/unit will be absorbed by the govt henceforth for residential/commercial consumers. 1/2
— Hammad Azhar (@Hammad_Azhar) February 28, 2022
Similarly, petrol/diesel prices to be reduced by Rs 10/litre. This will be achieved by reducing PDL in the short-term but by a funded subsidy in the long term. 2/2
— Hammad Azhar (@Hammad_Azhar) February 28, 2022
To enhance purchasing power of consumers, Imran Khan announced to increase Ehsaas Kafalat Stipend by 17% to Rs 14,000, benefiting eight million poorest families.
The prime minister also announced skill-based internships for jobless graduates. He said that 150,000 graduates will be given internship worth Rs 30,000 per month for next six months, costing a total of Rs 38 billion.
The prime minister said that all IT Companies and Freelancers will be entitled to zero tax regime. He also announced to withdraw Capital Gain Tax on IT Startups.
Talking about government’s Sehat Sahulat programme, Imran Khan said that entire families of Punjab will get Health Cards by the end of March 2022.
The prime minister said that interest free loans amounting Rs 407 billion will be provided under the Kamyab Pakistan Programme. He said that farmers will also be entitled to get loan under the programme.
Imran Khan also said that no question will asked for industrial investment. He said that we aimed at revival of sick units through tax benefits and there will be a five-year tax holiday on joint ventures to attract overseas investment.
Talking about his recent visits to China and Russia, the prime minister said that they will have far reaching impact on the Country’s economy.
Imran Khan said that we are going to import 2 million tons of wheat and gas from Russia while we have better understanding on the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The prime minister said that he believes in an independent policy in the best interest of the people of Pakistan. He urged the people to not vote for a party whose leader is involved in corruption as such parties cannot pursue an independent foreign policy.
Regarding amendments in the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), the prime minister said that the law was introduced in 2016 and his government is only amending the law to eliminate fake news, indecent content, especially the child pornography on social media.
Imran Khan said that around 94,000 cases are pending before the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) regarding harassment of women and indecency. He said that only 38 of them have so far been decided, which shows the lacuna in law to deal with such acts.
The prime minister said that mafias are busy in blackmailing in the name of freedom of expression.
Imran Khan said that credible journalists are a great asset for the Country and they should be happy that PECA law will help end fake news.
