After the budget

Pakistan's government has successfully navigated another budget cycle, securing parliamentary approval with apparent ease. The document, which met the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) criteria under its stabilization program, has drawn praise from the Fund.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed optimism that the budget will foster modest economic growth. However, this projection is heavily reliant on external factors, including the resolution of regional uncertainties and the stabilization of energy supplies and prices. Such conditions could potentially lead to growth exceeding initial expectations, providing the government with a talking point ahead of future elections.

Despite the IMF's approval and the government's projections, the article notes a general lack of scrutiny from parliamentarians regarding the budget's contents. It also raises a question about whether the projected economic performance will translate into tangible benefits or appeal for the electorate.

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the budget will hopefully deliver growth, no matter how modest, without destabilising the Fund programme or the economy.