ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Saturday commenced a general debate on the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with lawmakers delivering lengthy speeches that largely focused on political and constituency-related matters rather than the budget proposals unveiled by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The session also witnessed loud protests from opposition members, a day after the budget was presented.
The opening day of the debate was dominated by a speech lasting over an hour by Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, followed by an immediate response from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who remained present in the House for a considerable period during the proceedings.
During his address, Mr Achakzai criticised the government’s decision to freeze development allocations for the provinces, arguing that the move would adversely affect health and social welfare sectors. He began his speech by reflecting on regional history dating back to 1860 and connected historical developments to the current law and order situation as well as the lack of political consensus in the country.
As Mr Achakzai continued his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif entered the chamber to loud desk-thumping from treasury lawmakers. The premier listened attentively to the opposition leader before taking the floor to respond.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the development of all provinces, saying political parties may hold different views and visions, but all stakeholders must prioritise Pakistan’s interests. Referring to Mr Achakzai’s remarks regarding provincial rights over indigenous resources, the prime minister said there should be no disagreement on such matters.
He highlighted several development projects underway in Balochistan, the opposition leader’s home province, and said these initiatives were being pursued as part of the federal government’s responsibility to ensure equal development opportunities across all four provinces.
The premier pointed to the share allocated to Balochistan in the Reko Diq project and recalled that the province’s allocation under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award had been doubled. He also mentioned the distribution of solar panels to farmers in Balochistan and described such measures as evidence of national solidarity and brotherhood. In addition, he referred to the construction of the Chaman-Gwadar road project.
Addressing Mr Achakzai’s comments on the armed forces, PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the 22 army officers and personnel who were martyred in a recent helicopter crash. He also responded to criticism of the fencing along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, commonly known as the Durand Line.
The prime minister acknowledged that Mr Achakzai was entitled to his opinion on the issue but maintained that border fencing was necessary for Pakistan’s security. He argued that if the 2,000-kilometre-long fence helped save even a single life, then the billions of rupees spent on the project were justified.
He further spoke about the rise in terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and praised the sacrifices made by soldiers in defence of the country. Stressing the importance of honouring the martyrs, he said neglecting their sacrifices would be unfair to their families, particularly their orphaned children.
Recalling his past cordial relations with Mr Achakzai, the prime minister emphasised the need for national unity and once again extended an invitation to the opposition for dialogue and the formulation of a charter of democracy. During this part of his speech, PTI lawmaker Sanaullah Mastikhel interrupted him and urged him to take a step forward. Responding in a light-hearted manner, PM Shehbaz remarked that if Mastikhel took one step, he would be standing with the government.
Following the prime minister’s departure from the House, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan addressed the assembly and criticised what he described as the establishment’s involvement in political affairs.
Barrister Gohar questioned where political parties should take their grievances and said calls for political consensus would carry greater weight if accompanied by practical steps. He also stressed that the rights of PTI founder Imran Khan must be respected while he remains in prison.
Meanwhile, MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar highlighted the importance of approving the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, which seeks to strengthen the local government system. He argued that empowered local bodies were essential for the country’s development and progress.
The National Assembly is scheduled to continue its debate on the federal budget today (Sunday).