World Bank advises cut in govt. expenditure

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has expressed its reservations over Pakistan’s state expenditures of 1124 billions, citing sources ARY News reported on Monday.

According to sources, WB has advised cut in various subsidies to save money adding that 167 billion rupees can be saved from the Tariff Differential Subsidy (TDS).

The bank also pointed out that Rs. 20 bln can be saved with complete withdrawal of subsidy on tubewells or cutting it down.

The lender has also demanded gradual decrease in funds allocated for the devolved ministries, sources said. “Thus, the federal government could save as much as 328 billion rupees”.

The World Bank has also advised addition of provincial share in Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) expenses. “With provincial share federal government could save as much as 217 billion rupees”.

The government also funding in programs providing services in provinces, it could save 315 billion rupees by redefining its expenditure, the bank said.

“It could also save seven billion rupees with cancellation of wheat support price subsidy,” the bank added.