Budget reflects commitment to relief, despite ongoing challenges, Dr Shaista

ISLAMABAD, Jun 12 (APP): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Member National Assembly (MNA), Dr Shaista Khan Jadoon, on Friday praised the federal budget for FY2026-27, describing it as a balanced and people-centric financial plan prepared amid challenging global economic conditions triggered by ongoing crises in the Middle East.

Speaking to media after budget session, she said the government had faced significant economic difficulties due to international instability, which had affected economies around the world. Despite these challenges, she commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his economic team for presenting a responsible and welfare-oriented budget.

She also paid tribute to Pakistan’s defence leadership, particularly Field Marshal General Asim Munir, for strengthening the country’s defence capabilities and enhancing Pakistan’s standing on international platforms.

Highlighting key budget measures, she welcomed the relief provided to salaried employees, noting that government employees had been granted salary increases ranging from 7 to 10 percent. She also appreciated the reduction in tax burdens on certain income groups, saying that protecting the livelihoods of ordinary citizens and ensuring relief for low-income households should remain a top priority.

She further lauded the government’s focus on the agriculture sector, describing farming as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. She said additional allocations for agricultural development and soil fertility-related initiatives would help strengthen the sector and support farmers.

She also commended the government’s continued investment in youth development programmes, particularly under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. She noted that opportunities had been expanded for young Pakistanis in fields such as information technology and modern agricultural studies, including training and educational exposure abroad, particularly in China.

She expressed confidence that increased investment in skills development, education and youth empowerment would contribute to Pakistan’s long-term economic stability and growth.

“The vision of placing knowledge and skills in the hands of our youth will further strengthen Pakistan and help secure a prosperous future,” she said, expressing optimism about the country’s economic outlook in the coming years.