Budget debate heats up in National Assembly

June 17, 2026 (MLN): Members of the National Assembly on Wednesday continued the general debate on the federal Budget 2026-27, with treasury lawmakers describing it as the best possible financial plan under prevailing economic constraints, while opposition members called for enhanced public relief, salary increases, institutional reforms, and greater support for the agriculture sector.

Participating in the debate, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPP) leader Shazia Marri said Pakistan was confronting complex regional and international challenges that required consensus-driven policymaking and parliamentary cooperation.

She said her party remained committed to democratic engagement and constitutional protections for provinces, including safeguards under the National Finance Commission (NFC) framework, according to APP.

Marri expressed concern over the growing burden of indirect taxes and inflation, arguing that rising living costs were placing pressure on households.

She underscored the importance of social protection programmes, particularly the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), saying such initiatives play a key role in supporting vulnerable families and should remain free from political considerations.

She also called for greater economic benefits for Balochistan from its natural resources and industrial activities, while urging the government to address concerns regarding salaries and allowances of public sector employees, especially security personnel.

Emphasizing youth empowerment and national unity, she encouraged equal opportunities across all regions and welcomed recent diplomatic developments aimed at regional stability.

Marri praised President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for their contributions to national stability and progress.

She said Pakistan had consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy and had made significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. She also stressed respect for electoral mandates and called for maturity in political discourse.

PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan criticised the federal budget and raised concerns about governance, accountability, and public welfare. He said democratic institutions needed to be strengthened and offered his party’s cooperation for constitutional rule and protection of citizens’ rights.

He referred to unresolved political issues and ongoing legal cases involving party workers, describing his party’s demands as constitutional in nature. Gohar also proposed a more structured framework for parliamentary cooperation to improve accountability and legislative effectiveness.

Highlighting economic challenges, he voiced concerns over inflation, indirect taxation, and increasing fuel and utility costs, urging the government to review its taxation policies. He also welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in regional affairs and appreciated the country’s role in promoting peace in the Middle East.

Parliamentary Secretary for Water Resources Rana Ansar praised the country’s civil and military leadership for strengthening Pakistan’s international standing through diplomatic engagement.

However, she expressed reservations about the budget, saying it lacked sufficient attention to women’s development and gender-responsive allocations.

She termed the proposed seven percent increase in salaries inadequate in view of inflationary pressures and called for a revision. Ansar also opposed taxation on infant nutrition products, warning that it could negatively affect child health and development.

Drawing attention to urban challenges, she highlighted delays in the K-IV water project for Karachi and said dependence on tanker services and illegal water networks was worsening the city’s water crisis.

She also urged improvements in drainage and sewerage infrastructure in Karachi and Hyderabad, particularly ahead of the monsoon season, and called for stronger local governments and measures to curb drug use among students.

PML-N lawmaker Raja Khurram Shahzad said Pakistan had enhanced its global standing through effective diplomatic efforts and prudent leadership.

He highlighted disparities within Islamabad’s education system and called for better facilities, trained teachers, and the introduction of modern subjects, including artificial intelligence, at an early stage.

He also warned of a growing water shortage in the federal capital and proposed construction of small dams and improvements in water supply infrastructure.

In the health sector, he called for additional medical facilities and timely completion of delayed projects, citing pressure on major hospitals.

He further urged employment opportunities for Islamabad’s youth and proposed a separate legislative assembly for the capital.

PPP leader Naz Baloch said Pakistan had played a constructive role in regional peace efforts and urged lawmakers to keep budget discussions focused on economic issues.

She advocated inclusive governance in Karachi and stressed equal rights for all residents regardless of background.

Baloch raised concerns over inflation, rising electricity prices, and unemployment, while highlighting the impact of climate change on agriculture and livelihoods.

She questioned the utilisation of climate-related fuel levies and called for greater investment in the information technology sector, digital skills development, and youth training programmes.

She also pointed to persistent challenges in the power sector, including circular debt, load-shedding, and rising utility costs, and urged policymakers to accelerate the adoption of alternative energy sources.

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