Journalists Protest Lack of Finance Bill Briefing, Resume Coverage After Government Assurances
June 11, 2025 : Journalists boycotted Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s media briefing on Wednesday in protest over the absence of a dedicated technical session on the Finance Bill 2025–26, a critical component traditionally held to clarify tax measures and economic policies.
The walkout was triggered by the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) failure to conduct the customary pre-budget technical briefing, which journalists rely on for accurate and informed reporting on proposed fiscal changes.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar addressed the situation promptly, expressing solidarity with the media and acknowledging their concerns as “absolutely valid.” He offered an apology and confirmed that the FBR chairman had committed to organizing the delayed technical session.
“I will speak to them; the technical briefing must take place,” Tarar stated during the press event, joining journalists in their call for transparency.
Following his assurance, the journalists ended their boycott and resumed coverage of the ongoing press conference.
