Islamabad: The National Assembly is continuing discussion on the budget for the next fiscal year.
According to Radio Pakistan, Mian Khan Bugti appreciated the government for allocating two hundred and fifty billion rupees for the development of Balochistan, emphasizing the construction of main connectivity projects in the province.
Syed Amin-ul-Haque highlighted positive economic indicators such as reduced inflation and increased foreign exchange reserves and remittances, noting recognition from global financial institutions regarding the country’s economic recovery. Meanwhile, Shahida Begum criticized the budget allocation for education and health as inadequate, calling for it to be increased to four percent of GDP.
Shazia Marri expressed concerns about issues facing employees and criticized the lack of an increase in the minimum wage. Conversely, Ibrar Ahmed lauded the government for presenting a people-friendly budget with a vision for the country’s development. Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, highlighted the relief provided to employees in the budget.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan suggested innovative solutions for providing relief, proposing tax exemptions for employees earning up to twenty-two lakh rupees annually. Syed Hussain Tariq emphasized support for the agriculture sector to ensure food security, while Shahram Khan opposed the carbon levy and taxes on solar panels.
Qasim Noon expressed satisfaction with improved economic indicators, noting the budget’s focus on expanding the tax net. Sehar Kamran, however, argued that health and education were neglected and that there was no relief for the common man. Misbah Uddin pointed out the lack of a comprehensive package for tribal districts.
Sadiq Ali Memon called for increased funding for Karachi’s K-IV water project and a minimum wage increase to fifty thousand rupees. Tehmina Daultana advocated for special measures for women’s empowerment. Anwar Ali Taj suggested a new survey for BISP to include more deserving individuals and urged increased funding for health and education.
Nikhat Shakeel Khan proposed better transport facilities for Karachi residents and steps for poverty elimination. Minister for Water Resources Mueen Watto praised the government’s financial team for an ideal budget, citing positive economic indicators due to prudent policies.
Regarding India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, Watto assured that Pakistan would protect its water rights and highlighted ongoing and future water storage projects. Haji Rasool Bux Chandio called for development initiatives in coastal areas, while Shafqat Abbas urged the establishment of a children’s hospital and burn center in Sargodha.
Shaista Khan praised Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership for their response to Indian aggression and criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government for corruption and inadequate health facilities. Muhammad Ilyas Chaudhry proposed facilitating overseas Pakistanis for investment.
Abdul Aleem Khan focused on achieving fundamental economic goals and addressed power sector issues in Hyderabad. Mohammad Ahmed Chattha advocated for connecting Wazirabad to motorways, and Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui suggested promoting coastal tourism and strengthening the ship-breaking industry.
Other speakers included Syed Abdul Kadir Gilani, Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, Mian Ghous Muhammad, Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, Izabel Zehri, Ghulam Muhammad, and Nasim Ali Shah.