The coalition government, holding numerical strength, is most likely to pass the federal budget 2026-27 today [Tuesday] in the National Assembly, though opposition benches are planning to stage protests.
Budget Outlay and Key Proposals
The government around two weeks ago presented the annual budget 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs18.77 trillion (with a deficit of Rs5.2 trillion) by setting an economic growth rate target at four percent. The finance minister, in budgetary proposals, announced measures including a seven percent increase in pays and pensions, tax relief for the salaried class, and concessions for the construction and IT sectors, along with reducing the super tax.
Though lawmakers from opposition parties and even MNAs from treasury benches suggested increasing the salaries of government servants by ten percent, the government has no plan to make any change in this regard while giving final touches to the finance bill 2026-27.
Political Dialogue and Judicial Commission
Yesterday’s proceedings of the National Assembly were once again dominated by discussion on dialogue between the government and PTI to shun political differences. Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, responding to concerns raised by the opposition benches, came down hard on the PTI for boycotting meetings of the Judicial Commission. “Walking away in anger while continuing to seek privileges does not reflect the rule of law,” he said, mentioning that the opposition had been given representation in the Judicial Commission of Pakistan through two members.
Earlier, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar expressed the view that the cycle of political victimisation must come to an end. He urged all stakeholders to rise above personal egos.
Concerns Over Drug Use in Schools
On his turn, JUI-F lawmaker Noor Alam Khan expressed serious concern over the reported use of drugs in schools across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and called for immediate attention to the issue.
Interior Ministry Demands and Bulletproof Vehicles Policy
Responding to concerns raised by the Minister for Defence regarding bulletproof vehicles, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said a strict policy is in place for the import and use of bulletproof vehicles. He said, “Permissions are granted only after thorough scrutiny and inspection.” The House, in legislative business, approved four demands for grants pertaining to the Interior Ministry for the next fiscal year. These were moved by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Cut motions moved by the opposition on these demands for grants were rejected by the House.
Winding up discussion on the cut motions, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry highlighted reforms carried out in different departments of the Interior Ministry. About the sacrifices in the war on terror, he expressed the government’s firm commitment for peace in the country by eradicating the menace of terrorism. He said arrangements are being made to ensure that the passport facility is also available at NADRA offices.
Agriculture and Food Security Grants
The House has also approved three demands for grants pertaining to the National Food Security and Research Division for the next financial year. However, the cut motions moved by the opposition on these demands for grants were rejected by the House. Winding up the discussion on the cut motions, Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, said the agriculture sector has the potential to turn around the economy. He said the provinces are investing 200 billion rupees to strengthen the agricultural sector.
Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Grants
The House has also approved three demands for grants pertaining to the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division and other ministries for the next financial year.
