Islamabad: The National Assembly continued its rigorous debate over the proposed federal budget for the upcoming financial year, with members weighing in on various aspects of the financial plan. Key points of contention included incentives for the construction sector, adjustments in defense spending, and fiscal policies aimed at providing relief to low-income groups.

According to Radio Pakistan, Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar highlighted the incentives introduced for the construction sector, which she argued would stimulate economic activity. She noted that the budget includes measures to support industries, agriculture, and the IT sector, projecting accelerated growth for the country. Meanwhile, Asad Alam Niazi praised Pakistan’s enhanced international standing due to its involvement in the US-Iran peace agreement and its strategic victories over India. He advocated for strengthening the social protection framework.

Raza Ali Gilani urged the government to prioritize the welfare of impoverished citizens, while Raja Osama Sarwar acknowledged the challenging circumstances under which the 2026-2027 budget was presented but noted efforts made to provide public relief. He also supported the increase in the defense budget, emphasizing national solidarity with the armed forces. However, Nazir Ahmad Bhugio criticized the seven percent salary raise for employees as insufficient, advocating for a minimum increase of fifteen percent.

Usama Ahmed Mela commended the Benazir Income Support Programme and suggested digitizing its payments to facilitate women’s access. Parliamentary Secretary for Communications Engineer Gul Asghar Khan outlined the budget’s aim to avoid major new taxes while offering relief to lower-income groups, noting the abolition of income tax for individuals earning up to fifty thousand rupees monthly and a minimal tax for those earning up to one hundred thousand rupees.

PPP MNA Asma Arbab Alamgir called for the operationalization of Swat airport to promote tourism and the exploitation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s mineral resources for economic development. Ali Asghar Khan advocated for austerity measures and a reduction in unnecessary administrative expenses. Natasha Daultana congratulated national leadership on diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions, while calling for relief measures for the middle class. Khawaja Shehraz Mehmood criticized the government’s wheat procurement policy, and Sofia Saeed Shah raised concerns over the Federal Board of Revenue’s recovery system, pointing out fiscal constraints due to pension and debt servicing obligations.