The Senate on Thursday continued its debate on the federal budget, with treasury lawmakers hailing it as a balanced and development-oriented plan, while opposition senators criticized it for failing to provide meaningful relief to the common people amid rising inflation and economic challenges.
Treasury, Opposition trade barbs as Senate continues budget debate
ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP):The Senate on Thursday continued its debate on the federal budget, with treasury lawmakers hailing it as a balanced and development-oriented plan, while opposition senators criticized it for failing to provide meaningful relief to the common people amid rising inflation and economic challenges.
Opening the debate, Senator Khalil Tahir of Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (PML-N) congratulated the nation on the
Iran-United States agreement and paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohamamd Ishaq Dar.
He said the collective efforts of Pakistan’s civil and military leadership had helped pull the country out of diplomatic isolation and enhance its standing in the international community.
He said the government’s economic policies had stabilized the economy, reduced inflationary pressures, and restored confidence among international financial institutions and investors.
Senator Khalida Ateeb of MQM-P also praised the country’s leadership for the diplomatic breakthrough, saying Pakistan had projected a positive and constructive image before the world.
She said that the budget provided greater relief to privileged segments of society than to ordinary citizens. She called for stronger local governments, improved civic services, and increased development allocations for Karachi and Sindh.
Taking part in the debate, Senator Waqar Mehdi of Pakistan People Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) welcomed the Iran-US agreement and appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue.
He said the development would have positive implications for regional peace and economic stability.
Regarding the budget, he expressed concern over inflation, inadequate salary increases, and shortages of water, gas, and electricity in Sindh.
He also called for the early completion of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and the K-IV water project.
Senator Azam Swati of Pakistan Tehreek -e- Insaaf (PTI) urged the government to give serious consideration to the recommendations and reservations presented by senators on the Finance Bill.
He said constructive proposals from the Upper House should be incorporated to improve the budget and address public concerns.
Senator Asad Qasim said Balochistan continued to face poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure shortages despite its contribution to the federation.
He called for special development packages, water projects, employment opportunities for educated youth, and greater federal attention to the province’s security and economic challenges.
Taking part in the debate, Senator Rubina Naz criticized the government’s economic performance, saying it had failed to provide relief to the common people.
She said the opposition had presented detailed recommendations on the Finance Bill.
Referring to the PTI founder, she reiterated her party’s demand for improved access to medical care and family visits for the jailed party leader.
Participating in the budget debate, Senator Bushra Butt congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their contribution to the diplomatic breakthrough.
She said Pakistan’s successful role in bringing USA and Iran closer had projected a positive image of the country globally and demonstrated its importance as a responsible regional actor. Stressing the importance of education, she said investment in the sector should remain a national priority.
Senator Hafiz Abdul Karim said USA-Iran agreement brought honour and recognition to Pakistan and proved that the country was playing the role of a peace-maker in international affairs.
He commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their efforts in advancing the peace initiative.
He proposed observing a “Day of Thanksgiving” to celebrate the achievement and urged the government to provide relief to the public by reducing petroleum prices in line with declining international oil prices.
He said the diplomatic success had improved Pakistan’s image and opened new opportunities for the country at the international level.
Senator Jam Saifullah Khan of PPPP described Pakistan’s role in the Iran-US understanding as a major diplomatic success achieved through a balanced and proactive foreign policy.
He appreciated the contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Foreign Office, saying Pakistan had helped avert a potentially wider regional conflict at a critical time.
He said that fears of a broader war had raised concerns across the world, but Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement helped support efforts aimed at restoring stability.
He also urged the government to further strengthen regional economic cooperation, particularly with Iran, through enhanced trade, connectivity projects and progress on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline.
He also highlighted water shortages in Sindh and stressed the need to safeguard the rights of lower riparian areas.
He called for the early completion of the Hyderabad-Sukkur section of the M-6 Motorway, saying the project was essential for economic growth, trade and regional connectivity.
Senator Gurdeep Singh of PTI strongly condemned the attack on a ‘Gurdwara’ in Mardan and expressed grief over the loss of lives, including a Gurdwara caretaker.
On his request, the House observed a one-minute silence to pay tribute to the victims.
Regarding the budget debate, he said the budget should focus on providing tangible relief to ordinary citizens and addressing the challenges faced by low-income groups.
He stressed the need for greater political harmony and urged stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue in the larger national interest.
She said Pakistan’s successful role in bringing USA and Iran closer had projected a positive image of the country globally and demonstrated its importance as a responsible regional actor. Stressing the importance of education, she said investment in the sector should remain a national priority.
Senator Hafiz Abdul Karim said USA-Iran agreement brought honour and recognition to Pakistan and proved that the country was playing the role of a peace-maker in international affairs.
He commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their efforts in advancing the peace initiative.
He proposed observing a “Day of Thanksgiving” to celebrate the achievement and urged the government to provide relief to the public by reducing petroleum prices in line with declining international oil prices.
He said the diplomatic success had improved Pakistan’s image and opened new opportunities for the country at the international level.
Senator Jam Saifullah Khan of PPPP described Pakistan’s role in the Iran-US understanding as a major diplomatic success achieved through a balanced and proactive foreign policy.
He appreciated the contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Foreign Office, saying Pakistan had helped avert a potentially wider regional conflict at a critical time.
He said that fears of a broader war had raised concerns across the world, but Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement helped support efforts aimed at restoring stability.
He also urged the government to further strengthen regional economic cooperation, particularly with Iran, through enhanced trade, connectivity projects and progress on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline.
He also highlighted water shortages in Sindh and stressed the need to safeguard the rights of lower riparian areas.
He called for the early completion of the Hyderabad-Sukkur section of the M-6 Motorway, saying the project was essential for economic growth, trade and regional connectivity.
Senator Gurdeep Singh of PTI strongly condemned the attack on a ‘Gurdwara’ in Mardan and expressed grief over the loss of lives, including a Gurdwara caretaker.
On his request, the House observed a one-minute silence to pay tribute to the victims.
Regarding the budget debate, he said the budget should focus on providing tangible relief to ordinary citizens and addressing the challenges faced by low-income groups.
He stressed the need for greater political harmony and urged stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue in the larger national interest.
Speaking in the Senate, Leader of the Opposition Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri said that opposition parties have unanimously decided to reject the budget.
He said that the budget would put further burden on the common man and push the country towards deeper economic challenges.
He criticized the allocation of substantial resources for debt servicing and questioned the government’s strategy for increasing exports, reducing poverty and accelerating economic growth.
Taking part in the debate, Senator Talha Mahmood of PPPP said the budget continued the practice of imposing greater pressure on existing taxpayers instead of broadening the tax base. He opposed the continuation of the super tax and stressed that industrialists and businesspersons should be encouraged rather than treated with suspicion.
He also highlighted the lack of development funds for Chitral and Hazara divisions, calling for improved road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, communication services, tourism development and flood protection measures.
Senator Sardar Muhammad Umar Gorgaij raised the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan.
He said that unemployment, deprivation and lack of opportunities were driving young people towards militancy.
He urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with Baloch political leaders and tribal elders.
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada of PTI criticized petroleum levy collections and questioned the utilization of the revenues generated through the tax.
He expressed concern over the healthcare budget, shortage of nursing training facilities and funding cuts for higher education institutions.
He also called for increased allocations for Karachi, completion of the K-IV water project, expansion of the Benazir Income Support Programme and accelerated work on the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway project.
Senator Ashraf Ali Jatoi of PPPP said the government was collecting billions of rupees through petroleum levy without providing corresponding relief to consumers.
He called for increased investment in nursing education, healthcare and universities, while stressing the need to address Karachi’s infrastructure requirements and expedite work on major projects, including K-IV and M-6 Motorway.
Senator Nadeem Bhutto of PPPP welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in helping avert a wider regional conflict and said national unity was essential for addressing economic and environmental challenges.
He called for a new National Finance Commission Award, increase in minimum wages, agricultural reforms, climate resilience measures and greater federal attention towards Sindh’s infrastructure, electricity shortages and coastal erosion.
Senator Rubina Qaim Khani of PPPP criticized the government’s economic policies and alleged that the budget offered little relief to ordinary citizens.
She accused the government of failing to deliver meaningful economic improvements during its tenure and reiterated her party’s demand for better treatment and medical facilities for jailed PTI founder.
Senator Manzoor Ahmed of BAP urged both government and opposition to move beyond political point-scoring and focus on national interests. He called for self-accountability among political leaders and stressed that Pakistan’s stability and prosperity should remain the foremost priority.
