Romina Khurshid highlights PML-N role in development, stability

ISLAMABAD, Jun 17 (APP): Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam on Wednesday lauded the federal budget 2026-27 and highlighted the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s role in national development and economic stability.

Participating in the National Assembly budget debate, she criticized opposition parties and said those questioning the federal government’s performance should first account for their own governance record in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where they had remained in power for several years.

She asked how many schools, hospitals, roads and welfare projects had been completed under their tenure.

Romina Khurshid Alam said the PML-N leadership had faced political victimisation, imprisonment and difficult circumstances but remained committed to democratic struggle and institutional continuity.

She added that the party had consistently upheld democratic values, respect and political decorum despite adversity.

She said politics should be based on performance and public service rather than personal attacks.

She added that history would judge both promises and performance, saying the public could clearly distinguish between those who delivered and those who relied on slogans.

She also criticized the previous administration for leaving the economy in a fragile condition, saying the country had been pushed towards instability.

She said the prime minister had taken difficult but necessary decisions to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence.

Highlighting development work, she said major infrastructure and energy projects, including motorways and connectivity schemes, had transformed Pakistan’s economic landscape and laid the foundation for long-term growth.

She said the government was building on these achievements while also addressing climate challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Romina Alam expressed confidence that the federal budget would support economic recovery, social welfare and national progress.

Paying tribute to the armed forces and martyrs, she said soldiers defending the country at the borders made immense sacrifices for national security.

She praised the armed forces for what she described as a strong response to external threats, saying it strengthened national confidence and deterrence.

She said Pakistan’s position in regional and international affairs had improved due to coordinated efforts of civilian and military leadership, calling recent developments a collective national achievement and urging unity in the face of challenges.

Romina Khurshid Alam stressed that criticism should be based on facts and evidence rather than political rhetoric.

She said the government was taking significant steps to address climate change and strengthen disaster preparedness through relevant institutions, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

She urged opposition members to review NDMA reports before making claims about government performance, saying federal institutions were actively engaged in managing climate-related risks and supporting vulnerable communities.

Referring to housing initiatives, she said the government was moving beyond temporary shelter models and focusing on permanent housing solutions for low-income groups, including single-parent families.

She acknowledged economic constraints but said the budget had been designed to balance fiscal realities with public welfare needs. She called for greater political unity, saying national challenges required cooperation between all political stakeholders.

Highlighting climate change and water scarcity, she termed them major threats requiring long-term planning and coordinated national response.

She also expressed optimism that Pakistan could achieve sustainable growth and prosperity through policy continuity, consensus-building and effective use of resources.