Lawmakers on Thursday termed the Federal Budget 2026-27 as the “best possible” financial plan under prevailing economic conditions, while opposition members called for enhanced relief measures for farmers, labourers and the salaried class amid rising inflationary pressures.
Lawmakers term Budget 2026-27 ‘best in current circumstances’, opposition seeks stronger relief for farmers
ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP):Lawmakers on Thursday termed the Federal Budget 2026-27 as the “best possible” financial plan under prevailing economic conditions, while opposition members called for enhanced relief measures for farmers, labourers and the salaried class amid rising inflationary pressures.
Participating in the budget debate, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) MNA Asad Alam Niazi called for comprehensive structural reforms, fiscal discipline and stronger public relief measures, arguing that sustainable economic growth was not possible without addressing deep-rooted economic challenges.
He also paid tribute to the country’s political and military leadership for strengthening Pakistan’s international standing and advancing diplomatic engagement for peace and regional stability, while maintaining defence preparedness.
Referring to the budget, he said that it had been framed under difficult economic conditions.
However, he stressed that deeper structural reforms were required to narrow the fiscal deficit and place the economy on a sustainable path.
He questioned the extent of practical relief for ordinary citizens, particularly amid rising prices of essential commodities.
Niazi said a 7 percent salary increase had been overshadowed by persistent inflation, which had eroded purchasing power over time.
He emphasized that public confidence in the budget depended on consistent policies and visible economic improvement.
He also urged reforms in loss-making state-owned enterprises, calling for restructuring and privatization where necessary, alongside safeguards for employees.
Highlighting Pakistan’s low tax-to-GDP ratio, he stressed the need to broaden the tax base and improve revenue generation.
He further highlighted malnutrition as a major concern affecting child development and urged prioritization of nutrition, healthcare and food security policies.
He also criticized indirect taxation, saying salaried individuals were disproportionately burdened through both income tax and sales taxes on essential goods.
Opposition member Syed Raza Ali Gillani criticizing the budget, said farmers, labourers and salaried groups continued to face severe financial stress.
He expressed concern over the agriculture sector, saying farmers were struggling to finance the next crop cycle and were increasingly dependent on borrowing.
He warned that insufficient support to agriculture could threaten food security and overall economic stability.
Gillani also criticized a disconnect between policymakers and public realities, urging greater focus on ground-level issues affecting citizens.
MNA Shehryar Khan Afridi also criticized the government’s economic performance, saying its primary responsibility was to safeguard citizens’ basic needs, but economic hardship and unemployment remained widespread.
He highlighted challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including insecurity, poverty, inflation and insufficient development spending.
PPPP MNA Nazir Ahmed Bhugio said Pakistan had consistently pursued peace and avoided conflict, adding that recent developments had enhanced the country’s international stature. He praised the country’s leadership and security institutions for improving Pakistan’s global standing.
On the budget, he welcomed salary and pension increases but said they were inadequate in light of inflation, suggesting a 15 to 20 percent rise would have been more meaningful.
He emphasized the importance of agriculture, urging policies aligned with regional agricultural calendars, particularly in Sindh, and called for farmer consultation in policy-making.
He also recommended reducing taxes on agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and machinery.
Bhugio further highlighted delays in the Sukkur-Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway project, calling it essential for Sindh’s connectivity and economic development.
MNA Usama Ahmed Mela supported increased allocation for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), describing it as a vital social protection initiative for vulnerable households.
He rejected criticism of the programme and urged full digitization of payments to ensure transparency and dignity for beneficiaries.
He also emphasized the importance of overseas Pakistanis’ remittances as a key support for the national economy, while calling for greater domestic employment opportunities to reduce reliance on overseas work.
PML-N MNA Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar paid tribute to Pakistan’s political and military leadership for their role in recent national and international developments, including efforts aimed at maintaining regional stability and safeguarding Pakistan’s interests.
He said Pakistan’s leadership had enhanced the country’s diplomatic standing and expressed hope that such achievements would be sustained in the future. However, he stressed that equal attention must now be given to internal challenges facing the country.
Focusing on Balochistan, he said the province continued to face serious security challenges, including persistent incidents of terrorism. He noted that the situation was not recent but had continued for many years, fluctuating in intensity, and required a long-term and effective response.
The lawmaker urged the government and relevant institutions to take concrete steps to restore peace and stability in Balochistan. He emphasized that development and peace were interlinked, and without security, progress could not be achieved.
He also highlighted the lack of basic health and education facilities in many districts of Balochistan, calling for the establishment of properly equipped healthcare centres and educational institutions in district headquarters. He specifically proposed expanding initiatives similar to the Danish Schools model to improve access to quality education in the province.
Sardar Yaqoob Khan Nasar further stressed the need for greater investment in water resource management, particularly the construction of small and large dams to support agriculture in Balochistan. He noted that while multiple dam projects had been approved in the past, progress on implementation had been slow, and urged the government to accelerate work on these long-pending schemes.
PPPP MNA Syed Ayaz Ali Shah Sheerazi highlighted the severe water shortages and agricultural losses in his constituency, stating that the region, located at the tail-end of Pakistan’s water distribution system, faces both extremes of flooding and scarcity.
He said that during periods of heavy rainfall, excess water is released towards downstream areas, causing widespread flooding in Thatta and Sujawal, damaging crops and submerging villages. Conversely, during shortages, the same areas receive little to no water, resulting in severe agricultural losses and hardship for farmers.
The lawmaker said the current water shortage was particularly severe across Sindh, with downstream Kotri areas suffering the most. He noted that the local economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, and repeated water crises have led to significant financial losses for farmers, including damage to standing rice crops worth millions of rupees.
Sheerazi also pointed out that farmers in the region have been unable to receive fair crop prices for the past two years, further worsening their economic condition. He urged the federal government to engage with relevant authorities to address Sindh’s water distribution issues and ensure equitable supply for agricultural and drinking purposes.
He called for the suspension of load-shedding during the holy month of Muharram, noting that communities require uninterrupted gas and electricity supply for religious observances.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Mahmood Qadir Khan Nasar said that Pakistan’s population has now exceeded 250 million and is expected to reach nearly 400 million by 2040, warning that the country could face severe challenges if immediate measures are not taken. He highlighted growing water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, saying Pakistan ranks among the most water-stressed countries.
He also expressed concern over regional water disputes and stressed the importance of protecting Pakistan’s water resources under international treaties. Referring to rising tensions with India, he said water must not be used as a weapon and reaffirmed that Pakistan’s water rights are a “lifeline” for the nation.
The lawmaker said population growth, unemployment, and pressure on resources are increasing simultaneously, calling for urgent reforms. He proposed the need for greater confidence-building measures to attract local investment and suggested the creation of a “Charter of Economy” to ensure policy continuity across governments, enabling long-term economic planning and job creation.
He further stressed the importance of agriculture, describing it as the backbone of the economy, and said Pakistan should reduce its import bill by boosting domestic production. He noted that billions of dollars are spent annually on importing agricultural commodities such as maize and potatoes, which could be reduced through better planning and support for farmers.
PML-N lawmaker Aamir Talal Khan stated that there have been three historic milestones in Pakistan’s history that deserve to be written in golden words.
He said the first was when Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah founded Pakistan, the second was when former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made Pakistan a nuclear power, and the third was the recent development on June 18, when an agreement between Iran and the United States is set to be signed.
Speaking on the budget, he said that under such circumstances, the current budget was the most appropriate and well-balanced fiscal plan.
He further emphasized the importance of South Punjab’s agriculture-based economy, particularly wheat production, and called for an increase in the support price of wheat. He proposed that the minimum support price should be fixed at Rs. 5,000 per maund to provide relief to farmers.
The lawmaker also raised the long-standing demand of the people of Muzaffargarh under the PSDP (Public Sector Development Programme), stating that the district, including Kot Addu, has a population of more than 5.6 million but still lacks a public university.
He urged the government to establish a university in Muzaffargarh at the earliest, saying it was a legitimate demand of the local population that must be fulfilled.
Pakistan Muslim League (N) MNA Malik Shakir Bashir Awan praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, saying that the country’s foreign policy during recent regional tensions was commendable and had contributed positively to peace initiatives in the region.
He stated that the budget presented in the current circumstances is balanced and realistic. He welcomed initiatives such as business loans for youth, talent hunt programmes, and other development schemes, while stressing the need for effective implementation to ensure real benefits reach the public.
The lawmaker suggested that former cricketers and sports experts should be consulted to improve sports performance, particularly cricket, in order to enhance the performance of the national team.
He also urged the government to increase the minimum pension, stating that retired employees should be able to live with dignity amid rising inflation.
Highlighting development needs in his constituency of Khushab, he called for the early release of funds for key infrastructure projects, including the link of the M-2 motorway with the CPEC route and the construction of the Khushab–Sargodha dual carriageway. He said these projects are vital for regional economic development and improving public transportation facilities.
He further expressed hope that with the establishment of peace in the region, global oil prices would decline, which would benefit the people of Pakistan and help reduce inflation significantly.
He said Pakistan’s leadership had enhanced the country’s diplomatic standing and expressed hope that such achievements would be sustained in the future. However, he stressed that equal attention must now be given to internal challenges facing the country.
Focusing on Balochistan, he said the province continued to face serious security challenges, including persistent incidents of terrorism. He noted that the situation was not recent but had continued for many years, fluctuating in intensity, and required a long-term and effective response.
The lawmaker urged the government and relevant institutions to take concrete steps to restore peace and stability in Balochistan. He emphasized that development and peace were interlinked, and without security, progress could not be achieved.
He also highlighted the lack of basic health and education facilities in many districts of Balochistan, calling for the establishment of properly equipped healthcare centres and educational institutions in district headquarters. He specifically proposed expanding initiatives similar to the Danish Schools model to improve access to quality education in the province.
Sardar Yaqoob Khan Nasar further stressed the need for greater investment in water resource management, particularly the construction of small and large dams to support agriculture in Balochistan. He noted that while multiple dam projects had been approved in the past, progress on implementation had been slow, and urged the government to accelerate work on these long-pending schemes.
PPPP MNA Syed Ayaz Ali Shah Sheerazi highlighted the severe water shortages and agricultural losses in his constituency, stating that the region, located at the tail-end of Pakistan’s water distribution system, faces both extremes of flooding and scarcity.
He said that during periods of heavy rainfall, excess water is released towards downstream areas, causing widespread flooding in Thatta and Sujawal, damaging crops and submerging villages. Conversely, during shortages, the same areas receive little to no water, resulting in severe agricultural losses and hardship for farmers.
The lawmaker said the current water shortage was particularly severe across Sindh, with downstream Kotri areas suffering the most. He noted that the local economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, and repeated water crises have led to significant financial losses for farmers, including damage to standing rice crops worth millions of rupees.
Sheerazi also pointed out that farmers in the region have been unable to receive fair crop prices for the past two years, further worsening their economic condition. He urged the federal government to engage with relevant authorities to address Sindh’s water distribution issues and ensure equitable supply for agricultural and drinking purposes.
He called for the suspension of load-shedding during the holy month of Muharram, noting that communities require uninterrupted gas and electricity supply for religious observances.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Mahmood Qadir Khan Nasar said that Pakistan’s population has now exceeded 250 million and is expected to reach nearly 400 million by 2040, warning that the country could face severe challenges if immediate measures are not taken. He highlighted growing water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, saying Pakistan ranks among the most water-stressed countries.
He also expressed concern over regional water disputes and stressed the importance of protecting Pakistan’s water resources under international treaties. Referring to rising tensions with India, he said water must not be used as a weapon and reaffirmed that Pakistan’s water rights are a “lifeline” for the nation.
The lawmaker said population growth, unemployment, and pressure on resources are increasing simultaneously, calling for urgent reforms. He proposed the need for greater confidence-building measures to attract local investment and suggested the creation of a “Charter of Economy” to ensure policy continuity across governments, enabling long-term economic planning and job creation.
He further stressed the importance of agriculture, describing it as the backbone of the economy, and said Pakistan should reduce its import bill by boosting domestic production. He noted that billions of dollars are spent annually on importing agricultural commodities such as maize and potatoes, which could be reduced through better planning and support for farmers.
PML-N lawmaker Aamir Talal Khan stated that there have been three historic milestones in Pakistan’s history that deserve to be written in golden words.
He said the first was when Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah founded Pakistan, the second was when former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made Pakistan a nuclear power, and the third was the recent development on June 18, when an agreement between Iran and the United States is set to be signed.
Speaking on the budget, he said that under such circumstances, the current budget was the most appropriate and well-balanced fiscal plan.
He further emphasized the importance of South Punjab’s agriculture-based economy, particularly wheat production, and called for an increase in the support price of wheat. He proposed that the minimum support price should be fixed at Rs. 5,000 per maund to provide relief to farmers.
The lawmaker also raised the long-standing demand of the people of Muzaffargarh under the PSDP (Public Sector Development Programme), stating that the district, including Kot Addu, has a population of more than 5.6 million but still lacks a public university.
He urged the government to establish a university in Muzaffargarh at the earliest, saying it was a legitimate demand of the local population that must be fulfilled.
Pakistan Muslim League (N) MNA Malik Shakir Bashir Awan praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, saying that the country’s foreign policy during recent regional tensions was commendable and had contributed positively to peace initiatives in the region.
He stated that the budget presented in the current circumstances is balanced and realistic. He welcomed initiatives such as business loans for youth, talent hunt programmes, and other development schemes, while stressing the need for effective implementation to ensure real benefits reach the public.
The lawmaker suggested that former cricketers and sports experts should be consulted to improve sports performance, particularly cricket, in order to enhance the performance of the national team.
He also urged the government to increase the minimum pension, stating that retired employees should be able to live with dignity amid rising inflation.
Highlighting development needs in his constituency of Khushab, he called for the early release of funds for key infrastructure projects, including the link of the M-2 motorway with the CPEC route and the construction of the Khushab–Sargodha dual carriageway. He said these projects are vital for regional economic development and improving public transportation facilities.
He further expressed hope that with the establishment of peace in the region, global oil prices would decline, which would benefit the people of Pakistan and help reduce inflation significantly.
