BUDGET 2026-27: Finance Bill sails through NA

After all seven amendments moved by opposition members were rejected by a majority vote, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb moved the Finance Bill, including the amendments suggested by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance. Some of the key changes made to the bill since its introduction in parliament include the abolition of duties on mineral water or hydration drinks, sales tax exemption for local airlines on the import or lease of aircrafts, and an amendment to the duties imposed on electric cars or SUVs imported into the country. The government has done away with the proposed 20 per cent Federal Excise Duty (FED) on mineral waters, aerated waters, hydration drinks or electrolyte beverages with artificial sweetener or sugar content below 5g/100 ml. Previously, all kinds of mineral waters, aerated waters, hydration drinks or electrolyte beverages were subjected to 20pc FED, irrespective of the artificial sweetener or sugar content. The updated finance bill also included permission for all airlines operating in the country to avail sales tax exemption on the import or lease of aircrafts and their parts from July 1, 2027, which was only granted to PIA in the original bill, tabled on June 12. EVs and SUVs The amended Finance Bill 2026 also showed that excise duty on imported electric cars would be calculated based on their values to be calcu