Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb began his budget speech by referring to Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos as a significant chapter in Pakistan’s history, stating that India was given a strong and decisive response in the previous year.
He added that Pakistan’s defence capabilities are now being recognised internationally, claiming that several countries have expressed interest in integrating Pakistani fighter jets into their air forces.
Aurangzeb also pointed to growing defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, saying that fraternal ties between the two countries have been further strengthened through formal agreements. He described the nation as carrying a “sacred and heavy responsibility.”
According to budget documents, the total federal outlay for the upcoming fiscal year has been set at Rs18,771 billion. Of this, Rs8,054 billion has been allocated for interest payments on public debt, while Rs1,169 billion has been earmarked for pensions.
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Military pensions are estimated at Rs822 billion and civil pensions at Rs272 billion. Defence expenditure is proposed at Rs3,000 billion, while subsidies are set at Rs1,091 billion.
Federal civil expenditure stands at Rs1,071 billion, and Rs430 billion has been proposed for emergency and unforeseen contingencies. Total current expenditure is estimated at Rs17,495 billion.
For the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Rs1,050 billion has been allocated, while the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tax collection target has been set at Rs15,264 billion..
PM Shehbaz engages with coalition partners
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged with coalition partners ahead of the budget presentation, including a meeting with an MQM-P delegation at Parliament House. He described MQM-P as an important allied party and appreciated its role in supporting the government’s development agenda, economic stability efforts and public welfare initiatives. The prime minister’s consultations came as the ruling coalition moved forward with the budget process amid political negotiations with its allies.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari finally attends the budget session
PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari attended the budget session despite the party initially announcing that he would skip it. The party clarified it was not boycotting the proceedings, saying some members would participate in the budget process in the national interest. Before the presentation, PPP lawmakers staged a protest over Sindh’s water shortage, demanding the province receive its due share. The party had also held discussions with the PML-N leadership to resolve budget-related concerns.
Source: Dunya News
