During the budget debate on Senate recommendations to the Finance Bill on Saturday, members of the National Assembly called for incorporating key proposals aimed at easing inflation and providing relief to the public. Speaking on the Senate's recommendations, MNA Aliya Kamran urged the government to consider them.
Telecom Tax Reduction and GST Cuts
Kamran supported reducing the advance tax on telecom services under Section 236 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, from 15 per cent to 8 per cent, saying it would benefit mobile and internet users and help expand digital access in education, business, and employment. She also backed reductions in GST on essential items, including food, medicines, education materials, and agricultural inputs, noting that lower taxation would ease pressure on low-income households.
Energy Sector Reforms and Balochistan Focus
On the energy sector, Kamran supported targeted electricity subsidies for low-consumption users, reforms to address capacity payments and circular debt, and a cap on the petroleum levy with greater transparency in its collection and use. She stressed that Balochistan required special attention in development funding and project execution.
Senate Role and Budget Inconsistencies
MNA Umair Khan Niazi said the Senate's role in financial legislation had become largely symbolic under Article 73 of the Constitution, arguing that it had weakened provincial autonomy. He also pointed to inconsistencies in budget priorities, including the withdrawal of funds from youth programmes while continuing support for projects such as the Prime Minister's e-sports arena, calling for a more consistent youth policy.
Tobacco Taxation and Farmer Protection
Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser opposed the proposed nine per cent tax on tobacco crops, saying that it would burden farmers instead of manufacturers. He said taxation should instead be imposed on finished tobacco products, while supporting higher taxes on cigarettes.
Disaster Management System
PTI Chairman and MNA Gohar Ali Khan stressed the need for a permanent and well-funded disaster management system. He called for joint federal and provincial contributions to a dedicated disaster risk fund, saying recent floods had exposed serious gaps in district-level preparedness and the country's largely reactive response system.
Education and Research Funding
MNA Ayesha Nazir urged effective implementation of Senate recommendations in education, research, and economic sectors. She supported improved pension schemes for public universities, higher research funding, innovation support, and retention of skilled professionals.
