Nelson Azeem praises budget measures, calls for population control policy

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jun, 2026) Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Nelson Azeem Wednesday said that the Federal budget had been prepared under challenging circumstances and praised the finance team for announcing the relief measures.

Participating in the budget debate, he claimed that no new taxes had been imposed in a burdensome manner and that relief had been provided to various segments of society, particularly salaried individuals.

He added that salaries had been increased, with adjustments made across different income groups, and said tax relief had been extended to low-income earners, including exemptions for those earning up to six lakh rupees annually.

He further stated that the measures would benefit middle-income workers and pensioners, describing the package as significant relief in difficult economic circumstances.

He also stressed the need for a structured national policy to control population growth, stating that sustainable development targets could not be achieved without addressing demographic pressure through proper planning and public awareness campaigns.

He added that the issue required long-term initiatives and coordinated government efforts to manage population growth effectively.

He said that around Rs70 billion had been allocated in the form of targeted subsidies and relief measures across different sectors in the federal budget, particularly in the health sector.

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He added that import duties and federal excise duties on life-saving cancer medicines had been reduced to zero, providing significant relief to patients.

He further said that medicines used for family planning had also been fully exempted from taxes, while excise duties on agricultural inputs and related products had been waived to support the farming sector.

He further suggested that taxation policies should be broadened to include untaxed or under-taxed sectors such as the tobacco industry, arguing that higher taxation in this area could help increase government revenue.

He said additional revenue generated could be redirected toward supporting low-income groups.

Referring to minority communities, he said they had remained loyal, hardworking, and constructive contributors to the country since its inception.

He added that minority groups, particularly the Christian community, had played an important role in education, healthcare, the armed forces, and the judiciary, earning respect through their services.

He further remarked that minorities had supported Pakistan in difficult times, including during periods of terrorism, and acknowledged their contributions to maintaining national stability.

He also appreciated the provision of religious freedom and protection of places of worship.

APP/zah-sra