ISLAMABAD: The government is prioritizing the development and welfare of tribal districts, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani announced in the Senate. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by security forces to maintain peace in these regions.

According to Radio Pakistan, Kayani addressed concerns regarding the withdrawal of tax exemptions for the merged districts, explaining that a reduced sales tax rate was implemented following detailed consultations last year. He noted that the original tax exemption had been subject to misuse.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary responded to issues raised by various Senators, affirming that the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision concerning the health of the PTI founding chairman would be enacted fully. Chaudhary criticized past derogatory remarks made against the judiciary, asserting its role in delivering justice and emphasizing that the cases involving the PTI founding chairman are under judicial consideration.

PTI Senators expressed approval of the Supreme Court’s ruling to transfer the party’s founding chairman to Shifa Hospital.

In legislative developments, the Senate passed three bills: The Standard Time (Interpretation of References) Amendment Bill, 2026, The Civil Servants Amendment Bill, 2026, and the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage Lok Virsa Amendment Bill, 2026. The session was adjourned and is scheduled to reconvene on Thursday at four in the afternoon.