Islamabad: Participating in the budget debate, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) lawmaker Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui commended the government for providing relief to salaried class and presenting a balanced budget for 2025-26 despite ongoing financial challenges.
She emphasized the need for enhanced budgetary allocations to critical sectors such as healthcare, climate change, and women empowerment. Aasia Ishaque also urged the government to reconsider the General Sales Tax (GST) on solar panels, saying that people in areas without access to electricity, should be able to benefit from solar energy systems.
Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) MNA Sher Afzal Khan also called for higher budgetary allocations, particularly for the information technology, health, and education sectors. Sher Afzal highlighted that youth make up 60 percent of Pakistan’s population but regretted lack of adequate funding for their development.
He recommended a review of the export policy to enhance exports and attract foreign investment, which would help boost national revenue for public welfare. Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) legislator Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani lauded the government and paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces for their firm response to Indian aggression.
He also applauded PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for promoting a positive image of Pakistan internationally in the aftermath of these events.
Dr. Mahesh Malani strongly condemned the Israeli attack on innocent civilians in Iran and expressed solidarity with the country, saying that the entire Pakistani nation and Parliament stand united with Iran in this critical hour.
He reiterated the PPP’s opposition to the GST on solar panels and called for increased funding for the Higher Education Commission to support academic development in the country.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister Mubarak Zeb on Tribal Affairs expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region, saying that ‘We talk about lawlessness, but the reality is that we face bomb blasts and rocket attacks on a daily basis.’
He said that his house was attacked by some culprits for second time within a month. ‘Sixteen months ago, my brother Rehan Zeb was martyred, but justice has yet to be served. The culprits remain at large,’ he added.
Mubarak Zeb vowed to realize the vision of development for Bajaur, saying, ‘The dream we saw for the progress of Bajaur will be fulfilled.’
He called for the formation of a high-level investigation committee to probe the murder of his brother and the attacks on his residence. ‘A thorough investigation must be conducted to identify and punish those responsible,’ he said.
SIC MNA, Rana Atif criticized the federal budget 2025-26, saying that the situation in the country was better during their tenure and that the power to arrest over tax evasion should be withdrawn.
Pakistan Muslim League legislator, Farakh Khan called for electricity tax relief for families with minimal consumption, such as those using only one fan and one light bulb.
Emphasizing women empowerment, she urged the government to take special initiatives to financially support women and advocated for a 15-20 percent employment quota for educated women.
Farakh Khan also proposed the establishment of daycare centers across the country and praised the Speaker of the
National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for facilitating a daycare center within Parliament House.
She also commended the increase in the defense budget, saying that the sacrifices of soldiers cannot be measured in monetary terms. ‘We must reflect on what we have truly given back to Pakistan,’ she added.
PML-N MNA, Kiran Haider highlighted that the budget laid the foundation for national development and prosperity, crediting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership for navigating the country through economic challenges.
She reminded the House that the country was on the brink of default when the current government took the charge. Now, she said, inflation was declining and economic stability was being restored.
Kiran Haider said that the budget brought relief for educated youth and skilled workers and lauded Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for launching numerous welfare institutions and development programs across the province.
SIC leader, Khawaja Sheraz strongly condemned Israeli attack on innocent civilians of Iran and urged the government to support the brother Islamic country.
‘We stand firmly with our Iranian brothers and pray for their success,’ he added. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering stance, consistent with Quaid-e-Azam’s vision regarding Israel.
Khawaja Sheraz expressed skepticism over GDP growth and criticized special powers for tax recovery, warning it could make it harder to conduct business in the country.