National Assembly holds debate on Federal Budget 2025-26

The National Assembly on Friday started the general discussion on the Federal Budget for next financial year.

Initiating the discussion, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan stressed that the Information Technology (IT) sector should be exempted from taxation to boost its export potential and support economic growth. 

Omar Ayub said that 7000MW power is in surplus but still power companies were conducting loadshedding while people were crying in hottest weather. 

He said capacity payments had touched 2000 billion rupees while in gas sector circular debt had crossed 20300 bullion rupees. Opposition leader demanded that NFC should be revised. 

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary said the government is focusing on creating an environment that is conducive for investment in the country.

He said we have undertaken reforms in different sectors to take the country on the path of sustainable development.  He said the budget envisages measures for the development of Balochistan. He said  positive suggestions from the members including the opposition will be incorporated in the budget.

Participating in the discussion, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said the present government took politically unpopular decision to stabilize the economy, emphasizing that this needs to be acknowledged.

Syed Hafeezuddin emphasized the need for enhancing the tax net. He said strict action should be taken against smuggling. Samina Khalid Ghurki said small farmers should be supported in order to uplift the agriculture sector.

Jamshed Dasti said water issues should be addressed in Seraiki area. He said a University should also be established there. 

Sheikh Aftab Ahmad said the government has put the economy on the right track, expressing the confidence that the country will now move forward on the path of development.

Syed Waseem Hussain proposed that the salaries of government employees be enhanced by fifty percent. He said the government should withdraw taxes on solar panels as well as food items to provide relief to the common man.