On June 11, journalists staged a walkout from Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s post-budget 2025-26 press conference in Islamabad, protesting the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) failure to provide a technical briefing on the Finance Bill 2025.

At the outset of the press conference, reporters raised concerns over the absence of the traditional technical session, which is typically held to explain key budgetary measures and tax proposals to the media. The briefing was not conducted this year ahead of the budget presentation.

In response, journalists walked out of the briefing room in protest.

Despite the walkout, Finance Minister Aurangzeb proceeded with the press conference, joined by FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal. A limited number of journalists remained present during the session.

Concluding his address, Aurangzeb acknowledged the concerns raised and said he regretted any inconvenience caused to the media. “I regret if there was anything of the sort,” he said, referring to the journalists not being briefed. He added that he understood the “worry” caused to reporters.

He added that he and the FBR chairman had previously engaged in discussions with the press and intended to continue such interactions every four to six weeks. He further affirmed, “We will continue to accelerate this”.

Responding to journalist Mehtab Haider, who led the protest, FBR Chairman Langrial stated that while a “technical briefing” is usually held, it was decided this time that the minister would provide an “essential briefing” instead. He noted that similar questions are often repeated in both briefings, which can affect the impact of the main press conference. However, he assured the media that a separate technical session could be arranged if required.

Later, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar addressed the situation and termed their concerns “absolutely valid” and apologized on behalf of the government. Tarar confirmed that the FBR chairman committed to hold the technical briefing and assured reporters that he would personally follow up to ensure it is conducted.

“I will speak to them; the technical briefing must take place,” Tarar said. Following Tarar’s assurance, the protest ended.