High spending bill highlights lack of fiscal space for stimulating economy

Federal excise duties collection stood at Rs99b as against the target of Rs111b, falling short of the target by Rs12b

ECC also increases wheat support price by Rs65 to Rs1,365 per 40 kg

PM’s aide informs NA panel DISCOs privatisation not possible in two years

Delay due to differences over required increase in light of double-digit inflation

Much like anti-Benami properties campaign, govt’s initiative to recover offshore assets has also failed to bear fruit

Selection process was completed the day govt announced replacing Khusro Bakhtiar with Asad Umar as planning minister

Data shows money mainly invested in government’s three-month treasury bills

Highlights concerns about further rise in unemployment and poverty in the country

May approve $500m for fiscal management