Lawmakers term Budget 2026-27 ‘best in current circumstances’, opposition seeks stronger relief for farmers

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Jun, 2026) Lawmakers on Thursday termed the Federal Budget 2026-27 as the “best possible” financial plan under prevailing economic conditions, while opposition members called for enhanced relief measures for farmers, labourers and the salaried class amid rising inflationary pressures.

Participating in the budget debate, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) MNA Asad Alam Niazi called for comprehensive structural reforms, fiscal discipline and stronger public relief measures, arguing that sustainable economic growth was not possible without addressing deep-rooted economic challenges.

He also paid tribute to the country’s political and military leadership for strengthening Pakistan’s international standing and advancing diplomatic engagement for peace and regional stability, while maintaining defence preparedness.

Referring to the budget, he said that it had been framed under difficult economic conditions.

However, he stressed that deeper structural reforms were required to narrow the fiscal deficit and place the economy on a sustainable path.

He questioned the extent of practical relief for ordinary citizens, particularly amid rising prices of essential commodities.

Niazi said a 7 percent salary increase had been overshadowed by persistent inflation, which had eroded purchasing power over time.

He emphasized that public confidence in the budget depended on consistent policies and visible economic improvement.

He also urged reforms in loss-making state-owned enterprises, calling for restructuring and privatization where necessary, alongside safeguards for employees.

Highlighting Pakistan’s low tax-to-GDP ratio, he stressed the need to broaden the tax base and improve revenue generation.

He further highlighted malnutrition as a major concern affecting child development and urged prioritization of nutrition, healthcare and food security policies.

He also criticized indirect taxation, saying salaried individuals were disproportionately burdened through both income tax and sales taxes on essential goods.

Opposition member Syed Raza Ali Gillani criticizing the budget, said farmers, labourers and salaried groups continued to face severe financial stress.

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He expressed concern over the agriculture sector, saying farmers were struggling to finance the next crop cycle and were increasingly dependent on borrowing.

He warned that insufficient support to agriculture could threaten food security and overall economic stability.

Gillani also criticized a disconnect between policymakers and public realities, urging greater focus on ground-level issues affecting citizens.

MNA Shehryar Khan Afridi also criticized the government’s economic performance, saying its Primary responsibility was to safeguard citizens’ basic needs, but economic hardship and unemployment remained widespread.

He highlighted challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including insecurity, poverty, inflation and insufficient development spending.

PPPP MNA Nazir Ahmed Bhugio said Pakistan had consistently pursued peace and avoided conflict, adding that recent developments had enhanced the country’s international stature. He praised the country’s leadership and security institutions for improving Pakistan’s global standing.

On the budget, he welcomed salary and pension increases but said they were inadequate in light of inflation, suggesting a 15 to 20 percent rise would have been more meaningful.

He emphasized the importance of agriculture, urging policies aligned with regional agricultural calendars, particularly in Sindh, and called for farmer consultation in policy-making.

He also recommended reducing taxes on agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and machinery.

Bhugio further highlighted delays in the Sukkur-Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway project, calling it essential for Sindh’s connectivity and economic development.

MNA Usama Ahmed Mela supported increased allocation for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), describing it as a vital social protection initiative for vulnerable households.

He rejected criticism of the programme and urged full digitization of payments to ensure transparency and dignity for beneficiaries.

He also emphasized the importance of overseas Pakistanis’ remittances as a key support for the national economy, while calling for greater domestic employment opportunities to reduce reliance on overseas work.

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