ISLAMABAD: Acknowledging the hardships of the common man in the inflation-hit economy, Finance Minister Dr Mubashir Hasan announced today [June 8] a 10 per cent increase in the dearness allowance [for] all persons drawing a salary of Rs 1,000 or less. Presenting his 1974-75 Budget before the National Assembly, the Finance Minister said the new D.A. will be available subject to a minimum of Rs. 50 per month and a maximum of Rs. 100 per month. ...

The blanket increase in dearness allowance is to offset the rise in prices proposed for petrol, diesel, vegetable ghee, sugar and gas.

... Dr. Mubashir Hasan described his Budget as `unique no deficit financing, no new taxes, increase in pay of everyone, decrease in personal taxes, incentives for personal savings, encouragement for industrial investment, no enhancement in import duties, substantial lowering of export duties all these along with a big increase in development outlay`. The Budget shows a revenue surplus of Rs. 50.37 crore with revenue receipts estimated at Rs. 1260.14 crore and expenditure to be met from revenue at Rs. 1209.77 crore.