Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government's commitment to taking all possible measures for the progress and development of all four provinces. Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly in response to points raised by the Opposition Leader, he agreed that the people of each province have the right on their resources.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized that Parliament serves as the collective forum of elected representatives from all four provinces. He highlighted that the people of Balochistan have a rightful share in the Reko Diq project. Recalling the 2010 National Finance Commission Award, the Prime Minister mentioned that Balochistan's share was significantly increased. He noted that approximately 73 billion rupees were allocated two years ago for the solarization of agricultural tube-wells in the province. Additionally, the Gwadar-Chaman dual carriageway is being completed with federal funding of over 300 billion rupees.
Regarding the security situation, Shehbaz Sharif addressed the fence along the Durand Line, stating it was erected for security reasons and the expenditure incurred was fully justified. He praised the security forces, law enforcement agencies, and police for their unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, acknowledging that their contributions deserve recognition and respect. The Prime Minister reiterated his offer of dialogue to resolve issues.
In the National Assembly, Opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai initiated discussion on the Budget 2026-27. He called for more measures to support the poor and strengthen the agriculture sector, suggesting a comprehensive strategy to promote education in Pakistan. Achakzai highlighted the country's immense tourism potential, urging its promotion, and emphasized joint efforts to steer the country forward, offering the opposition's unconditional support to uphold the constitution's sovereignty and the Parliament's sanctity.
Other parliamentarians contributed to the discourse, with Samina Khalid Ghurki advocating for more resources for health and development sectors, and Naeema Kishwar Khan proposing a thirty-percent salary increase and raising the minimum wage to fifty thousand rupees. Khan also urged the government to allocate more development projects to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and demanded reductions in electricity and petroleum prices.
Commendations for the budget came from Major retired Tahir Iqbal, who proposed enhancing government employee salaries by at least 15 percent. Syeda Shehla Raza stressed expanding the tax net instead of increasing taxes, while Iftikhar Ahmed Khan suggested encouraging public-private partnership ventures and demanded increases in salaries and pensions.
Nasim Ali Shah advocated for more development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Muhammad Ilyas Chaudhry emphasized focusing on improving the nation's economic condition. Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani highlighted the difficulties faced by Balochistan's people in accessing essential facilities like education, health, infrastructure, and potable water, urging the government to address these issues.
Sadaf Ihsan recommended allocating special funds for the establishment of girls' schools, solarization of agri-tube wells, and beautification of rural areas in Lakki Marwat. Riaz Fatyana proposed allocating an AI fund in the budget to position Pakistan as an AI hub globally.
The session also included contributions from Ali Muhammad Khan, Rana Atif, Sher Afzal Marwat, Asif Khan, and Sher Ali Arbab. The House will reconvene on Sunday at 11 in the morning.