Islamabad: In a session at the National Assembly, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani presented the budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, outlining plans to consolidate economic gains while providing relief to the public. The budget discussion focused on reforms, export enhancement, and inclusive growth, with the goal of making the current IMF program the nation’s last.

Kayani highlighted tariff reforms designed to boost industrial productivity. The Benazir Income Support Program’s allocation has been increased to 716 billion rupees. Government employees’ salaries are set to rise by ten percent, and pensions will see a seven percent increase. Tax relief measures for the salaried class were also announced.

Addressing tax fraud, Kayani introduced new safeguards, ensuring arrests would only occur during the investigation stage for significant sales tax fraud cases, with a three-member FBR committee’s approval.

Nafeesa Shah called for increased support for agriculture, while Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf described the budget as balanced, noting improvements from the government’s difficult decisions. He praised the Hajj arrangements, which earned Pakistan an award from Saudi Arabia.

Junaid Akbar Khan criticized the budget for lacking provisions for the public, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Syed Rafiullah and Sahibzada Hamid Raza expressed concerns about family pensions and the neglect of health and education.

Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh reported improved economic indicators, decreased inflation, and increased remittances. He urged political unity on economic policies to attract investment, particularly in Special Economic Zones.

Rana Mubashir Iqbal highlighted significant allocations for Balochistan’s infrastructure and various sectors. Murtaza Mahmud commended the government for achieving economic stability, while Pullain Baloch and Saba Talpur called for reduced taxes and support for farmers.

Minister Kesoo Mal Kheal Das confirmed no new taxes on the agriculture sector and emphasized collaborative efforts for national development. He assured progress on the Sukkur-Karachi motorway, reinforcing the PML-N’s commitment to provincial prosperity.

Others contributing to the discussion included Mian Fayyaz Hussain and Raja Osama Sarwar. The assembly will reconvene on Monday.