Taking part in the debate, MNA Zartaj Gul stressed the need for increased budgetary allocations for women empowerment, calling it vital for the uplift of a key segment of society.
She also warned of the grave threat posed by climate change and called for greater resources to mitigate its impact.
Stressing the importance of regional equality, she urged a fair share of development funds for the Saraiki belt, noting its population is comparable to other provinces.
Haji Jamal Shah Kakar lauded Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for earmarking Rs 250 billion for Balochistan, terming it a long-overdue recognition of the province’s importance. He welcomed allocations for infrastructure and highways but stressed the need for transparency and proposed the formation of a monitoring committee to ensure efficient fund utilization.
PPP MNA Syeda Shehla Raza condemned the Israeli aggression against Iranian civilians, calling for global accountability.
She criticized the federal budget for raising taxes and imposing a carbon levy while neglecting Karachi—the country’s economic hub. Opposing a new Danish university in Islamabad, she argued that existing institutions remain underfunded.
She also highlighted the decline in oil and gas output, despite discoveries in Khairpur, and advocated urgent reforms. On a positive note, she welcomed the Reko Diq project, saying it could contribute 1% to Pakistan’s GDP next year.
Iqbal Afridi raised serious concerns regarding the rehabilitation of the merged districts (former FATA), urging the government to expedite the reconstruction of destroyed homes and ensure the return of displaced populations. He also demanded the withdrawal of newly imposed taxes in tribal areas and criticized delays in releasing development funds.
Asia Naz Tanoli commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for enhancing Pakistan’s international image and improving the value of the green passport. She described the budget as balanced and people-centric, acknowledging the difficult decisions taken to pursue economic reform and national security.
PPP’s Sharmila Faruqui pointed out that nearly 70% of the national budget is consumed by debt servicing, leaving limited space for development.
Citing Khawaja Asif’s statement, she revealed that Rs 5.8 trillion was lost last year due to tax loopholes, subsidies, and concessions. She called for comprehensive tax reforms to ease the burden on the salaried and middle-income classes.
MQM-P MNA Sofia Saeed Shah noted that although Rs 3.2 billion has been allocated for the KV-4 water project in Karachi, the amount falls short of the rising costs. She recalled MQM’s earlier proposal of Rs 30 billion for the project and questioned the government’s claims of reducing electricity prices while increasing levies on fuel.
SIC lawmaker Shahzada Muhammad Gushtasap Khan stressed the need to increase allocations for education and health. He praised KP’s 100% free healthcare program, attributing its success to effective provincial policy.
Syed Ali Qasim Gillani demanded more investment in higher education in South Punjab to improve access. Emphasizing agriculture as the backbone of the economy, he urged greater support for crop production. He welcomed increases in the budgets for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and the information technology sector.
MNA Muhammad Aslam Ghuman condemned Israel’s aggression, calling it the “world’s biggest terrorist,” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Muslim nations. He advocated for more support for farmers to ensure food security.
Moin Aamer Pirzada called for widening the tax base by expanding the filer network. He also urged a review of the decision to end pensions for deceased government employees, stressing the need for humane policy revisions.
PPP lawmaker Nawabzada Mir Jamal Raisani highlighted the federal budget’s role in setting the country’s economic direction. While welcoming the government’s target of 4.2% economic growth and the allocation of special allowances for the armed forces, he expressed disappointment over the lack of substantial allocations for Balochistan.
However, he appreciated the establishment of four Daanish Schools in the province and called for vocational training institutes to empower local youth.
MNA Sajid Khan demanded the establishment of a Danish School in the merged tribal areas and emphasized coordinated efforts between federal and provincial governments to maintain peace in the region.
SIC legislator Umair Khan Niazi criticized the budget and urged the inclusion of more high-net-worth individuals in the tax net. He called for increased allocations for agriculture and concrete support for farmers.
PPP’s Salahuddin Junejo raised the long-standing issue of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway project and urged the Prime Minister to reconsider its funding. He advocated a structured agricultural policy to improve productivity. Highlighting injustices in his constituency, he said locals were not benefiting from natural gas extracted from the region and demanded job and resource rights for local residents.
Junejo also thanked the Prime Minister for dispatching Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on diplomatic missions, praising his effective representation of Pakistan on the global stage.
Participating in the budget debate, SIC MNA Amjad Ali Khan claimed that economy did not perform well during the fiscal year 2024-25, citing example of low growth of agriculture and Large Scale Manufacturing. He said, even the budget for fiscal year 2025-26, major allocations were made for non-productive areas.
Participating in the ongoing budget debate, Member of National Assembly (MNA) Amjad Ali Khan of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) criticised the government’s economic performance during the fiscal year 2024-25, citing sluggish growth in agriculture and large-scale manufacturing sectors.
He expressed concern that despite economic challenges, the federal budget for 2025-26 had prioritized allocations for what he described as “non-productive areas,” rather than focusing on sectors that could drive growth and development.
Meanwhile, on a point of order, SIC MNA Asad Qaiser announced his party’s token walkout from the National Assembly proceedings, expressing displeasure over the absence of relevant officials during the budget debate. He stated that “nobody” was present to take note of SIC members’ suggestions, prompting the walkout decision.
Responding to the SIC token walkout, PML-N MNA Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry clarified that ministers, parliamentary secretaries, and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance were taking due note of the points raised in the House. He said, ample time was being provided to parliamentarians to express their views on the budget proposals.
He urged opposition members to take the session seriously and present constructive suggestions to improve the budget.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Naz Baloch, while participating in the budget debate, called on the government to prioritize the development of Karachi, describing it as the economic engine of the country.
She highlighted the severe electricity shortages in the city, stating that residents were enduring up to 18 hours of load-shedding by K-Electric. She also expressed concern over the closure of utility stores, which she said were providing essential commodities at subsidized rates. Terming the move unjust, especially for those living in rural areas, she demanded the continuation of the service.
Baloch urged the government to further reduce taxes on solar systems to make clean energy more affordable and accessible for low-income households.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, while speaking during the budget debate, strongly condemned the unprovoked Israeli attack on Iran and also emphasized the urgent need to resolve the Palestine and Kashmir issues in line with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
She praised the government for providing tax relief to the salaried class and increasing their salaries, despite prevailing economic challenges. Commending the finance team, she described the budget as people-friendly and a reflection of responsible policymaking in difficult circumstances.
Ms Aurangzeb said the country was steered away from the brink of economic collapse due to the prudent policies of the incumbent government, which successfully reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She added that key economic indicators—including the policy rate, inflation, and public debt—were now showing positive trends.
Dawar Khan Kundi, SIC MNA, criticised the federal budget during the ongoing debate, terming it “direction-less” and lacking a clear economic vision.
He claimed the budget was designed primarily to fulfill International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions without incorporating any meaningful political input. Kundi pointed out that no comprehensive plans were introduced for poverty alleviation, agricultural development, or other critical sectors.
He also called on the government to enhance Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocations for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which, he noted, have borne the brunt of terrorism and where residents continue to suffer from underdevelopment, particularly in newly merged tribal districts.
Parliamentary Secretary on Human Rights Saba Sadiq of PML-N expressed gratitude to friendly nations for their support to Pakistan against Indian aggression. She also commended the Pakistan Army for its bravery and for delivering a strong response to India.
Participating in the budget debate, she pointed out imposing taxes on the real estate sector. She praised the performance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and urged the opposition to follow her example in the provinces under their control.
She also advocated for the establishment of a climate justice tribunal and the integration of climate education starting at the primary school level. Additionally, she proposed the use of aquatic plants to help purify seawater.
Rana Ansar of MQM emphasized the need for increased funding for women and a review of existing financial allocations.
Makhdoom Syed Mustafa Mehmud of the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) emphasized the urgent need to improve the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio.
He urged the government to shift its focus toward making housing more affordable by promoting low-cost housing projects and discouraging speculative investments in property and real estate files.
Speaking on the floor, he called for a tax exemption on solar panel imports to help reduce the country’s reliance on oil imports, thereby conserving valuable foreign exchange reserves. He also raised concerns about the substandard production of various oil products by local refineries, stating that poor-quality oil is posing serious health risks and damaging vehicle engines.
Furthermore, Mehmud proposed exempting electric vehicles from import duties to promote a cleaner environment and reduce the import of edible oils, diesel, and petrol.
Shakir Bashir Awan lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the armed forces for successfully confronting Indian aggression, and said the entire Pakistani nation stood with the government and armed forces during difficult times which is commendable.
He also strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran saying that the masses of Pakistanare standing with the Iran.
Commenting on the federal budget, he said it was a positive step and would lead to promising results in the future. He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s hard work for pulling the country back from the brink of default and steering the economy toward recovery.
He welcomed the increase in salaries and pensions and urged the government to also raise the minimum wage. He proposed increasing the EOBI pension from 10,000 to at least 15,000 rupees and suggested extending pension benefits to widows for ten years after a pensioner’s death.
He also appreciated the Green Pakistan initiative, expressing hope it would improve the agriculture sector. Awan emphasized the challenges faced by farmers, especially due to rising costs and climate change, and demanded the construction of small dams in his native district of Khushab, which faces water scarcity.
He also urged the government to allocate budgetary funds for Khushab and fulfill the promise of establishing a university there. He highlighted the need to build the proposed motorway from Lilla to Musakhel, which he said would connect the region to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), promote tourism, and bring development to connected areas.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Moazzam Ali Khan Jatoi noted that no livestock census has been conducted since 2006 and forest statistics are also outdated. He proposed planting palm oil trees along the coastal belt and emphasized the importance of setting a national minimum wage.
Jatoi called on the government to reduce the role of middlemen and provide direct support to landlords and farmers. He also demanded the establishment of a university in his constituency and proposed that instead of simply handing out money under the Benazir Income Support Program, the government should focus on creating job opportunities for the underprivileged.
Asad Sikandar of the PPP, while participating in the budget debate, said that all provinces should be treated equally and given equal rights. He demanded relief in GST on solar panels to facilitate the poor, suggesting it should be further reduced from the current 10 percent.
Ammar Ahmad Khan Leghari of PML(N) expressed concern over satellite internet services being provided through only one company. He argued that this was not a viable approach, as local companies also have the capability to operate in this domain and should be given the opportunity. He emphasized the need to make the satellite internet industry more competitive.
Leghari highlighted the untapped potential in the country’s IT export sector, noting that exports could be significantly increased. To achieve this, he stressed the importance of investing in vocational training and organizing workshops at the school, college, and university levels to develop a skilled workforce.
He described the formation of a crypto council as a golden opportunity to regulate and promote cryptocurrency through official exchange platforms, allowing for proper oversight and monitoring. Additionally, Leghari underlined the importance of climate financing, suggesting that efforts in this area be strengthened to support sustainable development initiatives.
Salim Rehman of the SIC, while participating in the debate, drew attention to the ongoing issue of electricity load-shedding in Swat. He also expressed concern that funding for ongoing projects had been reduced. He urged the government to address the electricity crisis and restore development funds to meet the needs of the local population.
Hassan Sabir of the MQM, speaking during the budget debate, emphasized the need to provide meaningful relief to citizens struggling under the burden of inflation. He pointed out the budget for lacking a clear policy direction on industrial growth and foreign investment, warning that such omissions could hinder long-term economic development.
He noted that while the government appeared to be prioritizing privatization, it must first work to build investor confidence, which is essential for the success of any privatization efforts.
Sabir also highlighted the severe challenges facing Karachi, the country’s economic hub, particularly prolonged electricity load-shedding and other urban issues. He proposed that, just as the government has introduced a distinction between filers and non-filers, cities should also be categorized based on their tax contributions.
He argued that this approach would help ensure Karachi receives the development attention and investment it deserves to restore its infrastructure and appeal.
Shaista Pervaiz of the PML(N) lauded the financial team for presenting the best possible budget under the existing fiscal constraints, expressing hope that the next year would be better than the current one.
She said that Rs. 2.55 trillion were allocated for defense in light of the prevailing situation. She emphasized that defense expenditures should be further increased to ensure peace and national security.
Shaista Pervaiz highlighted the importance of promoting skill- and research-based education to shift the focus from quantity to quality.
Additionally, she underscored the need to improve the health sector to facilitate low-income groups and provide an adequate healthcare system. She also stressed the importance of population management for a better future.
Muhammad Ameer Sultan of the SIC, while participating in the debate, emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of the country’s economy, yet it had been neglected in the current budget.
Sultan also pointed out the imposition of taxes on online services, calling it unjust and urging the government to withdraw the measure. He highlighted the continued rise in inflation over the past three years and stressed that without achieving political stability, the country would struggle to make meaningful progress.
Munawar Ali Talpur of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), while speaking during the debate, stated that the budget reflected the collective stance of the coalition government.
He called for the removal of the distinction between filers and non-filers, arguing that many poor citizens are unable to become filers and should not be penalized for their economic status.
Talpur also demanded an increase in the minimum wage to help low-income individuals cope with rising living costs.
Highlighting the issue of prolonged electricity load-shedding in Sindh, he urged the government to take immediate steps to address the province’s energy crisis.
ISLAMABAD, Jun 19 (APP):NA-Budget-Debate *** Five *** LAST *** ISLAMABAD ***
Participating in Budget debate, Azhar Qayyum Nahra of the PML-N stated that the country’s economy is rapidly improving and prices have significantly decreased. He added that the PML-N is effectively delivering both in Punjab and at the federal level.
He called for a comprehensive relief package for the farming community to support and uplift them.
Aniqa Mehdi of SIC stated that 70 to 80 percent of the country’s economy depends on agriculture, yet farmers are abandoning farming. She emphasized that farmers should be provided with relief.
Naveed Aamir Jeeva of the PPPP stated that Benazir Bhutto embraced martyrdom while advocating for the rights of the poor, and emphasized that the fight to uplift the underprivileged will continue. He voiced concern over the absence of development fund allocations for minority legislators.
Ms. Shandana Gulzar Khan of the SIC strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his harsh policies and violent actions toward Palestinians and Iran.
Rana Iradat Sharif Khan of PML-N highlighted the importance of narrowing the gap between government spending and revenue by boosting income and cutting costs through tax reforms, spending cuts, privatization, and economic reforms. He also emphasized providing affordable electricity and fertilizers, along with loan schemes to assist farmers.
Sadiq Iftikhar of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) highlighted the energy and law and order crises impacting the public in Karachi. He stated that 50 percent inflation is causing severe difficulties, with poor families struggling so much that they cannot even afford to educate their children due to economic hardships. He emphasized the importance of investing in the education sector to provide opportunities for poor children.
Syed Javed Ali Shah of PPPP acknowledged that the increase in the defense budget is justified to bolster the country’s defense but criticized the budget for lacking incentives for farmers, labeling it as unfavorable and harmful to farmers. He demanded setting minimum wages at Rs 40,000 per month for workers.
Dr. Darshan of PML-N commended the Prime Minister and his economic team for presenting a people-friendly budget. He criticized the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for taking on record-high loans and called for the implementation of a five percent quota for minorities in government jobs.
Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro of PPPP praised PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto for effectively advocating Pakistan’s interests on the international stage. She also expressed solidarity with Iran in response to Israel’s aggression.
Muhammad Khan Daha of PML-N emphasized the importance of providing incentives to the agriculture sector, highlighting it as essential for achieving national prosperity and self-sufficiency. He also called for the establishment of new research institutes to develop improved seed varieties for more efficient crop production, and stressed the need for agricultural research centers to promote growth and prosperity in the sector. He called for a reduction in petroleum product prices to provide relief to the public and support various sectors of the economy.
Syed Abrar Ali Shah of the PPPP expressed concern over the excessive powers given to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), stating that such anti-business measures would further deteriorate the already fragile investment climate.
Mussarat Rafique Mahesar of the PPPP criticized the inadequate salary increase for government employees in the proposed budget.
ISLAMABAD, Jun 20 (APP):Resuming debate on budget for fiscal year 2025–26 on Friday, lawmakers at National Assembly emphasized the need to accelerate reforms, adhere to an export-led growth strategy, and develop a charter of economy to ensure policy consistency, which they said is essential for achieving sustainable development.
Participating in the debate, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Dr. Nafeesa Shah said the Finance Bill initially granted sweeping powers to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which she termed detrimental to business and economic activity. However, she noted that the National Assembly’s finance committee had to significantly revise those provisions, which were seen as anti-business.
She demanded the government that the terms and conditions of International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes should be determined by Parliament and not by anybody else.
Nafeesa Shah strongly condemned the recent Israeli attack on Iran, calling it an unlawful act of aggression aimed at regime change. She described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war criminal,” holding him responsible for the killing of over 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza—actions she termed genocide under international law. Dr. Shah further denounced Israel as an “imperial outpost,” criticizing its broader role in destabilizing the region.
She praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their steadfastness in the face of Indian aggression and commended PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for effectively advocating Pakistan’s principled stance on international platforms.
During the ongoing budget debate, Junaid Akbar, MNA from SIC, emphasized the need for political tolerance, stating that unity and mutual respect among political stakeholders were essential to steer the country toward progress and stability.
Agha Rafiullah of PPP urged the government to raise the minimum wage for labourers to Rs50,000 per month, citing rising inflation and the growing cost of living. He also called for a substantial increase in pensions to provide relief to retired citizens, particularly widows facing financial challenges.
Rafiullah further underscored the importance of equitable distribution of Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) funds across all provinces, stressing that national development could only be achieved through fairness and inclusivity in resource allocation.
Sahibzada Muhammad Hamid Raza, of SIC, expressed disappointment over the federal budget for fiscal year 2025–26, saying it failed to provide meaningful relief to the people. He criticized the government for overlooking the needs of the common citizen and said the financial plan lacked substantive measures to address the challenges faced by the masses.
Hamid Raza stressed the urgent need for comprehensive and practical agricultural policies, warning that without immediate attention, the country could face a severe food security crisis. He urged the government to prioritize investment in the agriculture sector to ensure national food self-sufficiency and rural economic stability.
Murtaza Mehmood of PPP emphasized the critical need for structural reforms and consistent long-term policies to guide Pakistan toward sustainable economic development. He highlighted the country’s abundant resources, including its strategic geographical location, mineral wealth, and youthful population, stressing that these assets must be effectively harnessed.
Mehmood advocated for an export-led growth strategy and the removal of tariff anomalies as key steps to achieving progress and prosperity.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, PML-N MNA, said that economic indicators are showing positive growth but emphasized the urgent need to increase credit availability for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which currently receive only 6% of total loans.
He underscored agriculture promotion and investor-friendly measures as vital for sustained progress. Sheikh stressed the importance of developing a ‘charter of economy’ to build investor confidence, warning that without it, new investments would remain limited. He highlighted export-led growth as a proven strategy used by other countries. Sheikh called for raising the minimum salary to Rs40,000 to address rising living costs.
During the ongoing budget debate, Fayyaz Hussain of SIC called for an end to political victimization, describing it as counterproductive to fostering a democratic culture in Pakistan.
Pullain Baloch of the National Party (NP) demanded transparency from the government regarding the large budget allocations, highlighting significant losses in the power, gas, and PIA sectors.
Meanwhile, PPP’s Saba Talpur emphasized that with 65 percent of the population dependent on agriculture, the government must prioritize the sector and provide urgent support prices to farmers, stating, “Our farmers need support prices as soon as possible.”
Dr. Azeem-ud-Din of SIC praised the Pakistan Army for delivering a strong response to Indian aggression, commending their dedication to national security. He also condemned the recent Israeli attack on Iran and described the ongoing violence in Gaza as a genocide against the Palestinian people.