NA approves Rs18.77 trillion budget amid opposition walkout

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly on Tuesday approved a Rs18.77 trillion ($67 billion) federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 after the government rejected a series of opposition amendments, triggering protests and a walkout by opposition lawmakers during voting on the finance bill.

Members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allied parties left the chamber in protest after their proposed amendments were turned down. Lawmakers from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), however, remained in the assembly and tabled selected amendments.

Opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai criticized the proceedings, accusing the government of undermining constitutional norms and weakening state institutions.

He called for dialogue among political forces and urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to strengthen parliament and uphold constitutional supremacy.

“Pakistan will only survive as long as it provides justice to its people,” Achakzai said, while also calling for greater civilian oversight of state institutions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended his administration and rejected allegations questioning its legitimacy. He said that if concerns remained over previous elections, investigations could be conducted into both the 2018 and 2024 polls.

Sharif also referred to Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States, saying discussions held with international partners in Switzerland had helped pave the way for a ceasefire framework and could facilitate broader negotiations.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq dismissed opposition allegations of procedural violations, saying parliamentary proceedings would not allow remarks directed against state institutions or the Constitution.

Under the approved budget, the Federal Board of Revenue has been assigned a tax collection target of Rs15.26 trillion, while non-tax revenues are projected at Rs5.33 trillion.

The government has set a fiscal deficit target of Rs5.22 trillion, equivalent to 3.6% of gross domestic product, and a primary surplus target of Rs2.82 trillion in line with commitments made to the International Monetary Fund.

Defense spending has been allocated approximately Rs3 trillion, while pension expenditures are estimated at Rs1.16 trillion. The federal Public Sector Development Program has been approved at Rs1 trillion.

The finance bill also introduces revised income tax slabs for salaried individuals, changes to taxation on income earned through social media platforms and property transactions, and adjustments to duties on imported vehicles, including electric vehicles. The new measures will take effect on July 1.