Islamabad: The Senate continued its deliberations on the Federal Budget for 2026-27, with senators from both the treasury and opposition benches presenting a wide array of proposals to enhance the Finance Bill. The discussion focused on key areas such as economic stability, investment incentives, and social welfare.

According to Radio Pakistan, Zameer Hussain Ghumro emphasized the need for additional incentives aimed at the welfare and well-being of the populace. Ali Zafar highlighted Pakistan’s significant diplomatic efforts in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States, noting these efforts helped avert potential regional conflicts. He stressed the importance of the budget’s benefits reaching ordinary citizens through effective trickle-down strategies and advocated for long-term development initiatives.

Maulana Attaur Rehman underscored that economic stability is unattainable without ensuring peace and security, particularly in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. In critique, Bilal Mandokhail pointed out the budget’s lack of a clear strategy to boost national income and tackle long-term economic issues, especially in education and technology sectors.

Amir Chishti identified high energy costs and the existing taxation structure as deterrents to investment and called for improvements in urban infrastructure. Danish Kumar called for equitable resource distribution and enhanced development spending in Balochistan, while Zeeshan Khanzada advocated for expanding the tax base and implementing substantial economic reforms to foster sustainable growth.

Masroor Ahsan highlighted the importance of supporting local industries and expanding social protection programs, whereas Muhammad Humayun Mohmand called for economic and governance reforms to ensure fair taxation and job creation. Abdul Shakoor emphasized increasing investments in water reservoirs and development projects in Balochistan.

The session, which saw contributions from several other senators including Dost Muhammad, Zarqa Suharwardy, Falak Naz, and Mishak Azam, is set to reconvene tomorrow at 12:30 p.m.