ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Saturday formally launched its debate on the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with discussions quickly shifting from financial proposals to broader political and governance issues. The opening session was marked by heated exchanges, lengthy speeches, and strong criticism from opposition lawmakers.
Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai delivered a speech lasting more than an hour, criticizing the government’s decision to freeze provincial development allocations. He argued that the move could negatively affect health, education, and social welfare programmes across the provinces. Achakzai also linked current political and security challenges to the country’s historical and constitutional evolution, stressing the need for greater political consensus.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who attended the session for a considerable period, responded directly to the opposition leader. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to balanced development across all provinces, highlighting major initiatives in Balochistan, including infrastructure projects, solar energy schemes, and benefits from the Reko Diq project. The premier emphasized national unity, saying political differences should not overshadow the collective responsibility to strengthen Pakistan.
Addressing security concerns, Shehbaz defended the fencing of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and paid tribute to soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism. He also renewed his offer of dialogue and a charter of democracy to opposition parties.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan called for political reconciliation and demanded that the rights of imprisoned party founder Imran Khan be respected. Meanwhile, MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar urged lawmakers to strengthen local government institutions through constitutional reforms.
The National Assembly is scheduled to continue the budget debate on Sunday.
