ISLAMABAD: The Senate resumed its deliberations on the federal budget for the upcoming financial year, with lawmakers proposing significant changes ranging from increased federal allocations to tax incentives for renewable energy.
In the session, Senator Dost Ali Jeesar recommended a substantial increase in the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), suggesting an allocation of up to 15,000 billion rupees. He also advocated for a 25 percent salary increment for government employees.
Focusing on economic growth, Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir urged the government to prioritize the export sector. He suggested measures to enhance value addition in export products to boost the country’s economic prospects.
Jam Saifullah Khan proposed incentives for electric vehicles, aiming to transition towards clean energy and promote environmentally friendly transportation solutions nationwide.
Senator Hidayatullah Khan emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of impoverished populations and the development of the agriculture sector within the budget framework.
Rubina Qaim Khani called for increased budget allocations for the health and education sectors, highlighting their critical importance for national development.
In light of the widespread adoption of solar panels by lower-income groups, Husna Bano recommended implementing a zero tax policy on these panels to alleviate financial burdens.
Muhammad Aslam Abro called for the withdrawal of the carbon levy on vehicles until the local manufacturing of electric vehicles is scaled up. He also urged a reduction in electricity prices in regions suffering from extreme summer temperatures.
Earlier, the Senate passed the Civil Servants Amendment Bill 2025, introduced by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. Additionally, the Criminal Laws Amendment Bill 2025 and the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Amendment Bill 2025 were introduced and subsequently referred to the relevant standing committees for further discussion.
The Senate session has been adjourned and is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.