The proposed relief package for Pakistan’s construction sector has been delayed due to objections raised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to sources, the global financial institution has expressed concerns over the possibility of amnesty within the package. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to address the IMF’s reservations.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Cheema has been assigned the task of revising the relief package. A briefing on the revised package is expected to take place during the IMF review mission’s visit to Pakistan next month.

A task force has proposed allowing non-filers to purchase property worth up to Rs5 million. It has also recommended abolishing the eight per cent tax on property purchases for tax filers.

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Additionally, the proposal includes removing the three per cent federal excise duty on property transactions.

However, sources indicate that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reservations about certain recommendations made by the task force.

Ahsan Cheema has been directed to resolve these concerns in consultation with the FBR and IMF.

The task force argues that promoting the construction sector will boost employment opportunities and accelerate economic growth.