Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated the government is dedicated to lessening the tax burden on key sectors – including exporters, manufacturers, IT, construction, and salaried individuals – by expanding the national tax base. He outlined a two-pronged strategy involving “tax deepening” through enforcement and combating corruption, and “tax broadening” through structural changes. Aurangzeb emphasized that no new taxes were introduced in the recently unveiled Rs18.8 trillion budget for the next fiscal year. He also explained the need for increased provincial contributions to fund security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which are experiencing internal unrest. The minister acknowledged challenges within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and plans to implement AI-driven systems to reduce human intervention and improve efficiency. Aurangzeb expressed optimism regarding ongoing international diplomatic efforts to address conflicts in the Middle East.