Islamabad: National Assembly is continuing discussion on the budget for the next fiscal year.
According to Radio Pakistan, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari emphasized that Pakistan deserves a budget that is progressive, people-centric, and protective of the most vulnerable in society. She advocated for increased investment in human capital and highlighted the need for enhanced allocations for the health and education sectors. Aseefa welcomed a twenty-one percent increase in the budget of the Benazir Income Support Program, suggesting its expansion to include female literacy and health insurance.
Qamar ul Islam expressed confidence that the budget for 2025-26 will lay the foundation for economic growth in the country, while Amir Dogar proposed enhancing the minimum wage to fifty thousand rupees. Minister for National Health Services, Mustafa Kamal, underscored the need for a national policy to address population growth.
Saad Waseem appreciated the government’s economic team for presenting a balanced budget, expressing satisfaction over improved economic indicators. Muhammad Atif emphasized that tax revenue collection can only be enhanced by strengthening the economy, while Shagufta Jumani stressed the need for constructing water reservoirs to tackle water shortages.
Rana Muhammad Hayat advocated for a fifty percent reduction in agriculture inputs to bolster exports, and Moulana Fazl-ur-Rahman highlighted the importance of peace and security for economic growth. He also condemned Israeli actions in Palestine and called for solidarity with the people of Palestine and Iran.
Amjad Ali Khan highlighted the importance of uplifting the agriculture and industrial sectors to strengthen the economy. Naz Baloch pointed out the issue of loadshedding in Karachi, urging prompt resolution.
Tahira Aurangzeb commended the government for presenting a commendable budget amidst economic challenges, noting the benefits of salary and pension increases for government employees. Dawar Khan Kundi called for concrete steps to strengthen agriculture, industry, services, and banking sectors to eliminate dependency on the IMF.
Saba Sadiq noted the reduction in import duty on solar panels and praised the government’s efforts in promoting the construction sector. Shaista Pervaiz proposed enhancing the defense budget and promoting vocational education and research.
Mir Munawar Ali Talpur advocated for removing taxes on solar panels and raised concerns about loadshedding in Sindh. Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, reiterated the government’s commitment to providing equal rights and opportunities to minority communities.
Other participants in the discussion included Ms. Rana Ansar, Muhammad Nawaz Khan, Syed Mustafa Mehmood, Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, Muhammad Moazzam Ali Khan, Malik Asad Sikandar, Ammar Ahmad Khan Leghari, Saleem Rehman, Hassaan Sabir, Muhammad Ameer Sultan, Azhar Qauyyum Nahra, Aniqa Mehdi, Naveed Aamir Jeeva, Gul Asghar Khan, Shandana Gulzar, Rana Iradat Sharif, Sadiq Iftikhar, Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani, Dr. Darshan, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Muhammad Khan Daha, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, and Syed Abrar Ali Shah.