Speaking on the budget debate for fiscal year 2025-26, Member of the National Assembly Raja Khurram Nawaz said “I commend the Pakistan Army for bringing honor to the country,”. “My appreciation also extends to those who continue to stand by our armed forces in every testing time.”
Turning his focus to Islamabad’s public infrastructure, Raja Khurram emphasized the lack of hospitals in the capital. “There is a severe shortage of medical facilities in Islamabad. Patients from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and other districts of Punjab come here for treatment, placing an overwhelming burden on the city’s limited healthcare system,” he said. “I request the Prime Minister to pay special attention to this issue in this budget.”
On education, he noted that many schools in Islamabad are facing serious challenges. “There is a dire need to improve the infrastructure of schools and recruit more teachers to uplift the standard of education,” he said.
Raja Khurram also highlighted the neglect of rural areas within Islamabad. “Basic amenities are lacking in these regions. The budget should allocate more funds for their development,” he said.
Water scarcity was another major concern, he said adding “Both of Islamabad’s main dams are facing shortages, creating serious difficulties for residents. This issue must be addressed in the budget.”
He further pointed out the lack of industrial development in Islamabad and the ongoing ban on new gas connections, which has been in place for three years. “Industrialization is crucial for economic growth and employment, and the gas connection issue needs an immediate resolution,” he suggested.
Member of the National Assembly Asad Alam Niazi underlined the need for prompt action on several national issues, ranging from infrastructure development and food security to energy production and economic policy negotiations.
Niazi stated that the proposal to rename Islamabad Airport as “Benazir Bhutto International Airport” has already been approved by the relevant committee. “A formal notification should be issued without delay to implement this decision,” he urged.
Turning to Pakistan’s ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Niazi stressed the importance of broad political participation. “Representatives from all political parties and provincial chief ministers should be included in IMF meetings so they can speak on behalf of their provinces,” he said.
Expressing concern over regional development, Niazi pointed out the omission of funding for the “Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway” in the current budget. “This crucial infrastructure project has been ignored, which is a matter of concern,” he added. He also highlighted the worsening “water crisis in Karachi”, calling for immediate government intervention to address the issue.
Discussing Pakistan’s energy potential, Niazi hailed the development of a “wind energy project in Sindh”, which is currently producing 2,700 megawatts of electricity. “If further developed, this project could generate even more low-cost electricity and help reduce our reliance on expensive energy sources,” he said.
On the issue of agriculture, Niazi urged the government to “purchase wheat from local farmers” and provide them with greater financial and policy support. “Farmers are the backbone of our economy. The government must stand with them, especially during tough times,” he added.
He said that budget allocation is insufficient for climate change and food security, two sectors he termed as “critically important and facing serious challenges.” Niazi called on the government to prioritize these areas in order to ensure long-term national stability.
MNA Riaz Ftyana said “I salute our armed forces for delivering a decisive blow to aggression from India. Their bravery speaks for every Pakistani.”
He continued, praising Pakistan’s representatives at the United Nations and in the United Kingdom. “Their diplomatic efforts reflect true dedication,” he said, “and we must acknowledge their contributions.”
Talking on the budget, he said that in my constituency, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Kamalia, and Shorkot, motorway “has been overlooked in the current budget. No allocation for the motorway that connects our people, no steps toward upgrading the railway services. Our development has been paused — and it’s time it was resumed.” Gas connections remained uninstalled, projects half-completed. “We are not asking for favors,” he said. “We are asking for our right to be part of a growing Pakistan.”
Turning his attention to the national economy, he said “Our expenses continue to outweigh our income. This imbalance threatens our future.”
Speaking about emerging economies around the world, he talked about the nations that had transformed themselves through vision, discipline, and capable leadership. “We need qualified economists in the government,” he stressed, “individuals educated in their field and proven in their practice.”
He said “There must be mental health services and youth centers established across Pakistan,”. “Our future depends on how we nurture our youth in body, mind, and spirit.”
Member of Parliament Arshad Abdullah Vohra said the deteriorating industrial sector and the disproportionate budgetary allocation to Karachi, the country’s financial hub is not acceptable.
Speaking on the floor, Vohra said, *“The industrial sector is collapsing. Over the last ten years, no new industries have been established, and existing ones are shutting down. This sector urgently needs attention.”
He also criticized K-Electric, the main power utility in Karachi, for continuing with prolonged load-shedding. “K-Electric must eliminate load-shedding. It has enough funds to improve power supply, yet the people suffer daily,” he added.
Vohra highlighted regional budget disparities, stating that Punjab receives 55% of the national budget, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 15%, and Sindh only 25%. “Karachi generates a major portion of the country’s revenue, but its share in the budget is minimal. This is unjust to the people of Karachi,” he asserted.
He further expressed dissatisfaction over the delayed completion of the Green Line bus project in Karachi and called for immediate action to transform the city into a ‘Safe City’ through improved security infrastructure. “I appeal the Prime Minister to focus on Karachi’s development and ensure justice is done to its people,” Vohra said.
Member of National Assembly (MNA) Ali Zahid has the government for presenting a “pro-people and balanced” budget despite challenging economic conditions. He also congratulated the government, highlighting its recent decision to reduce electricity prices by Rs. 7 per unit. “This move will help stabilize the economy and protect local industries from collapse,” he said.
He further pointed to positive signs from international economic institutions, which have indicated a decline in inflation and gradual economic recovery in Pakistan. “I am hopeful that Pakistan will soon emerge as a strong economy,” he added.
On foreign policy and defense matters, Zahid strongly condemned recent statements made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Pakistan, calling them “an act of aggression.” He said that India had received a “strong and appropriate” response from Pakistan during recent aggression.
Referring to historical actions taken during the tenure of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Zahid emphasized Pakistan’s defense advancements, particularly the development of the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets in collaboration with China, and the nuclear tests conducted in response to India’s provocations. “Despite facing sanctions and imprisonment, Nawaz Sharif prioritized national defense,” Zahid noted.
He also criticized previous governments poor foreign policy as when Pakistan was linking to terrorism at international forums such as the United Nations. “That was a reflection of their incompetence,” he said adding, due to current government’s diplomatic efforts, which Pakistan’s image globally improved.
He also condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and calling for an end to the violence.
Senior politician and Member of the National Assembly, Shehryar Afridi, said that the primary objective of the national budget should be the welfare of the people, especially the underprivileged segments of society.
Afridi said that the government must focus on addressing the basic needs of the poor and marginalized when drafting financial plans. “The budget should reflect the real needs of the common man. It must be rooted in compassion and social justice,” he stated.
He also underlined the importance of consultation with all stakeholders, including political parties, in the budget-making process. “It is essential to engage every relevant unit, particularly political parties to ensure that the budget is inclusive, transparent, and representative of the people’s aspirations,” Afridi added.
Participating in the budget debate, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) lawmaker Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui commended the government for providing relief to salaried class and presenting a balanced budget for 2025–26
despite ongoing financial challenges.
She emphasized the need for enhanced budgetary allocations to critical sectors such as healthcare, climate change,
and women empowerment.
Aasia Ishaque also urged the government to reconsider the General Sales Tax (GST) on solar panels, saying that people in areas without access to electricity, should be able to benefit from solar energy systems.
Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) MNA Sher Afzal Khan also called for higher budgetary allocations, particularly for the information technology, health, and education sectors.
Sher Afzal highlighted that youth make up 60 percent of Pakistan’s population but regretted lack of adequate funding for their development.
He recommended a review of the export policy to enhance exports and attract foreign investment, which would help boost national revenue for public welfare.
Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) legislator Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani lauded the government and paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces for their firm response to Indian aggression.
He also applauded PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for promoting a positive image of Pakistan internationally in the aftermath of these events.
Dr. Mahesh Malani strongly condemned the Israeli attack on innocent civilians in Iran and expressed solidarity with the country, saying that the entire Pakistani nation and Parliament stand united with Iran in this critical hour.
He reiterated the PPP’s opposition to the GST on solar panels and called for increased funding for the Higher Education Commission to support academic development in the country.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister Mubarak Zeb on Tribal Affairs expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region, saying that “We talk about lawlessness, but the reality is that we face bomb blasts and rocket attacks on a daily basis.”
He said that his house was attacked by some culprits for second time within a month. “Sixteen months ago, my brother Rehan Zeb was martyred, but justice has yet to be served. The culprits remain at large,” he added.
Mubarak Zeb vowed to realize the vision of development for Bajaur, saying, “The dream we saw for the progress of Bajaur will be fulfilled.”
He called for the formation of a high-level investigation committee to probe the murder of his brother and the attacks on his residence. “A thorough investigation must be conducted to identify and punish those responsible,” he said.
SIC MNA, Rana Atif criticized the federal budget 2025-26, saying that the situation in the country was better during their tenure and that the power to arrest over tax evasion should be withdrawn.
Pakistan Muslim League legislator, Farakh Khan called for electricity tax relief for families with minimal consumption, such as those using only one fan and one light bulb.
Emphasizing women empowerment, she urged the government to take special initiatives to financially support women and advocated for a 15-20 percent employment quota for educated women.
Farakh Khan also proposed the establishment of daycare centers across the country and praised the Speaker of the
National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for facilitating a daycare center within Parliament House.
She also commended the increase in the defense budget, saying that the sacrifices of soldiers cannot be measured in monetary terms. “We must reflect on what we have truly given back to Pakistan,” she added.
PML-N MNA, Kiran Haider highlighted that the budget laid the foundation for national development and prosperity, crediting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership for navigating the country through economic challenges.
She reminded the House that the country was on the brink of default when the current government took the charge. Now, she said, inflation was declining and economic stability was being restored.
Kiran Haider said that the budget brought relief for educated youth and skilled workers and lauded Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for launching numerous welfare institutions and development programs across the province.
SIC leader, Khawaja Sheraz strongly condemned Israeli attack on innocent civilians of Iran and urged the government to support the brother Islamic country.
“We stand firmly with our Iranian brothers and pray for their success,” he added. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering stance, consistent with Quaid-e-Azam’s vision regarding Israel.
Khawaja Sheraz expressed skepticism over GDP growth and criticized special powers for tax recovery, warning it could make it harder to conduct business in the country.
Participating in the debate, Ramesh Lal, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from the Pakistan People’s Party emphasized the need for dedicated development schemes and support initiatives for minority communities in the
country.
Pointing out that a significant portion of the country’s revenue was generated from Sindh, he also stressed the importance of allocating funds for projects in the province.
Shahnaz Saleem, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), commended the government during the budget debate for presenting a people-friendly budget despite prevailing economic challenges.
She particularly praised the allocation of adequate development funds for Balochistan, highlighting it as a positive step toward addressing the province’s longstanding requirements.
Speaking on the occasion, Sahibzada Sibghatullah of the Sunni Ittehad urged the federal government to release Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rightful share of funds under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and other mandated transfers.
He stated that given the evolving regional dynamics, there was an urgent need to strengthen the economy, uphold the rule of law, and ensure political stability. He added that while Pakistan has the potential to play a unifying role in the Muslim world, but that goal requires first fostering unity and stability within the country.
On the occasion, Nabil Gabol of the PPP urged the government to allocate adequate funds to Sindh, lamenting that even the existing allocations for some projects were insufficient. He also criticized the decision of providing special powers for tax collection.
Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Dr Nelson Azeem commended the federal government and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb for presenting a “balanced budget” despite the difficult economic climate, like conditions to “a state of war.”
Dr. Nelson said that every budget has room for improvement, the government deserved congratulations for attempting to provide relief for all segments of society under such challenging circumstances.
He highlighted the coalition government’s efforts, led by the PML-N, to steer the country away from economic default and restore macroeconomic stability.
“The attempt by India to place Pakistan on the FATF grey list was successfully thwarted. Both of these achievements reflect strong and strategic governance,” he added.
Dr. Nelson said the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has reached $411 billion, inflation is trending downward and key economic indicators are showing improvement.
He praised the Overseas Pakistanis for showing confidence in the government’s policies, saying that remittances hit record highs despite political calls to the contrary.
On the foreign front, he said India’s growing diplomatic isolation marked a major success for Pakistan which was done by the PML-N coalition government.
He also said the budget included initiatives for women empowerment, youth and other marginalized groups, though he stressed the need for greater focus on minority communities.
SIC lawmaker, Shahid Khattak criticized the federal budget 2025-26 and urged the government to provide maximum relief to salaried class, farmers and labour class of the country.
Muhammad Aun Chaudhry, a representative of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, stated that India was actively attempting to promote discord within Pakistan. However, he emphasized that these efforts will be firmly countered with unwavering national unity and determination.
He stressed the importance of ethical conduct in parliamentary debates, warning that disrespectful language sets a poor example for the nation’s youth. “Criticism is a right, but what message are we sending to our children when we speak negatively about others? Our children also watch these speeches,” he said.
He said Pakistan was on the path to progress and challenged senior PTI leaders to truthfully declare that there was no corruption during former Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar’s tenure. “Criticize, but stay within ethical boundaries,” he added.
Reflecting on his time with Imran Khan, Chaudhry remarked, “I spent the most time with Imran Khan; those who now criticize loudly were never even acknowledged by him.” He questioned the credibility of some PTI critics, suggesting their claims lack authenticity.
Chaudhry also expressed pride in the Armed Forces and called on parliamentarians to focus on key national issues such as children’s welfare, healthcare, education, and overall development. “Let us think about Pakistan’s progress,” he added.
He praised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his diplomatic efforts, noting, “Bilawal represented not a party, but Pakistan.” Chaudhry acknowledged his contributions to strengthening Pakistan’s image on the global stage.
Dr. Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto, speaking in the parliamentary debate, praised the Armed Forces for effectively thwarting hostile threats and protecting national security. She urged the government to end indirect taxes on the poor and instead broaden the tax base to ensure fair contribution. Dr. Bhutto also emphasized the need to revive the NFC Award for equitable resource distribution among provinces.
Sabeen Gori, MNA called for allocating development funds to women parliamentarians, enabling them to launch projects in their constituencies. She emphasized that women parliamentarians should receive the same privileges and support as their male counterparts. She demanded a 15% salary increase for public employees.
Muhammad Shabbir Ali Qureshi, MNA said that some economic indicators were showing negative trends citing performance of Large Scale Industry (LSM), increase in public debt and inflation of various products in domestic
market. He asked the government to take additional steps for providing relief to the people.
Participating in the debate, Muhammad Bashir of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) criticized the budget, for not serving the interests people.
He called for increased allocations for education and healthcare.
Dr. Nisar Ahmed Jatt of SIC highlighted the need to boost funding for essential sectors and to strengthen support and facilities for the agriculture sector.
He also emphasized the importance of building additional water reservoirs.
