Islamabad: The National Assembly is continuing discussion on the budget for next financial year. Participating in the discussion in the House, Jawed Hanif welcomed a twenty percent increase in the defence budget, emphasizing that the armed forces should be provided with all the necessary resources in view of the hostile posture of India.
According to Radio Pakistan, Abdul Qadir Patel expressed concerns that the enhanced powers granted to income tax officers will discourage investment in the country. Usman Badini emphasized the need for the development of Balochistan, stating that connectivity projects in the province should be prioritized. Anjum Aqeel mentioned that tax has been reduced in the budget for the low-income classes, with a ten percent increase in employee salaries and a seven percent hike in pensions.
Khurshid Junejo highlighted agriculture as the backbone of the economy and emphasized supporting farmers to enhance crop production. Hameed Hussain advocated for establishing Daanish schools in backward areas such as the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Raja Khurram Nawaz called for improved sanitation and sewerage services in rural areas and addressed the issue of water shortage in Islamabad.
Asad Alam Niazi urged the government to withdraw the eighteen percent tax on solar panels, while Riaz Fatyana encouraged public transport development and the establishment of youth centers. Arshad Abdullah Vohra requested more funds for completing the K-IV Water Project.
Ali Zahid praised the government for presenting a balanced and pro-people budget, noting reductions in electricity prices and a drop in the inflation rate to four percent. Shehryar Afridi stressed promoting Islamic banking and focusing on youth skills development. Aasia Ishaque appreciated the reduction of inflation and fiscal deficit.
Sher Afzal Marwat called for increased budgets for education and health to drive economic development. Mahesh Kumar Malani emphasized developing backward areas. Mubarak Zeb demanded investigations into recent attacks on his residence and justice for his brother’s assassination.
Ms. Farrukh Khan congratulated the government for a balanced budget but proposed removing the tax on solar panel imports and promoting women’s empowerment. Kiran Haider described the budget as foundational for Pakistan’s development and prosperity. Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood suggested increased allocations for the agriculture sector.
Newly elected Member of National Assembly Saba Talpur took her oath of office, administered by Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah. Nelson Azeem proposed increasing taxes on fizzy drinks, with revenue directed towards education promotion.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Rana Atif, Nabeel Gabol, Shahid Khattak, Mehreen Bhutto, Sabeen Ghauri, Awn Chaudhry, Shabbir Ali Qureshi, Muhammad Bashir Khan, and Nisar Ahmed. The House will reconvene at 11 a.m. tomorrow.