Islamabad: The National Assembly is continuing discussion on the federal budget for the next financial year. Participating in the discussion on the budget 2026-27 in the National Assembly today, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the benefit of a decrease in petroleum prices in the international market will definitely reach the common man. He noted that the economy has emerged from a difficult situation and is on the right trajectory.
According to Radio Pakistan, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted the impending peace agreement to be signed between the US and Iran, calling it a major diplomatic victory for Pakistan. He described the development as one of the most significant moments in Pakistan's history, enhancing the country's dignity, honour, and international standing. He also emphasized the importance of Pakistan-Iran relations and expressed satisfaction with their significant developments over the last year, particularly anticipating benefits from the lifting of restrictions on Iranian oil and gas exports.
Regarding Afghanistan, Asif recalled detailed discussions held with the Afghan side, expressing regret that the other side is not ready to provide guarantees that Afghan land will not be used against Pakistan. He underscored that the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the war on terrorism will not go in vain.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf praised the government for presenting a balanced budget aimed at advancing the economy. He mentioned that several measures have been taken for public relief. Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi declared Pakistan as the safest country for investment in the region and commended the leadership for boosting the country's image through its peace efforts between Iran and the United States.
Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal highlighted the necessity of controlling population growth. He appreciated the removal of General Sales Tax on contraceptives in the budget, emphasizing its impact on population control, and announced a population stabilization roadmap to enhance public awareness.
Abdul Qadir Patel lauded Pakistan's peace efforts between the US and Iran, while Saba Talpur stressed the need for improving Pakistan Railways infrastructure with sufficient budget allocations. Opposition member Sana Ullah Khan Mastikhel criticized the budget for lacking provisions for youth, agriculture, and industries.
Sehar Kamran argued that the seven percent salary raise for employees is insufficient and should be increased. Nauman Shaikh urged the creation of employment opportunities to steer the country in the right direction, while opposition member Junaid Akbar expressed doubts about the FBR meeting its revenue collection target for the next financial year.
Opposition MNA Atif Khan labeled the budget as not pro-people and cited a decrease in Foreign Direct Investment. Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam stressed the need to continue tax exemptions for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's merged districts and criticized the provincial government for not facilitating the merged areas.
Other speakers included Sahibzada Sibghatullah, Muhammad Jawed Hanif, Misbah Uddin, Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Dawar Kundi, Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Khushhal Khan Kakar, Aamer Naveed, Begum Tehmina Daultana, Khurram Shahzad Virk, Javaid Iqbal Waraich, Nasir Iqbal Bosal, Muhammad Bashir Khan, Sabheen Ghoury, Malik Ibrar Ahmed, Muhammad Muazzam Ali Khan, Ghulam Muhammad, Kiran Imran Dar, Farhan Chishti, M Iqbal Khan, Erum Hamid Hameed, Saba Sadiq, Nuzhat Sadiq, and Zeb Jaffar.
The House will reconvene tomorrow at eleven in the morning.