Islamabad: The Senate resumed its session at the Parliament House today with Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani presiding. The discussion centered around the budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, with a focus on the welfare of the common man and economic reforms.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Leader of Opposition in the Senate, Raja Nasir Abbas, initiated the discussion by emphasizing the necessity of reforms aimed at empowering the youth economically. He criticized the Petroleum Development Levy on petroleum products, suggesting it burdens the common man. Noor Alam Khan acknowledged recent diplomatic engagements and praised Pakistan's leadership role in promoting regional stability.
Hafeez-ud-Din identified challenges such as high energy costs, circular debt, and policy inconsistencies that hinder industrial growth. He urged comprehensive reforms to ensure stability and investor confidence. Shahram Khan stressed the need for stronger policy implementation to deliver tangible relief to citizens, while Sardar Nabil Ahmed Gabol highlighted that debt servicing and inflation limit development spending. He urged policymakers to focus on financial management to provide relief to the common man.
Sherry Rehman welcomed the removal of GST on women's hygiene products and contraceptives, advocating for reforms in State-Owned Enterprises. Mohsin Aziz pointed out a decline in foreign direct investment and exports. Shahadat Awan noted the increase in the budget for the Benazir Income Support Program but called for further enhancement to support the poor effectively.
Concerns over reliance on foreign loans were raised by Jam Muhammad Buledi, while Dilawar Khan criticized the budget for lacking public benefits. Sarmad Ali expressed optimism that the US-Iran peace agreement would lead to reduced petroleum prices for the public. Faisal Javed criticized the government for not reducing petroleum prices, whereas Afnan Ullah Khan highlighted improvements in economic indicators, such as reduced inflation and increased GDP growth rate.
Other participants in the discussion included Aon Abbas, Nasir Butt, Aimal Wali Khan, and Kamran Murtaza. The Senate session is scheduled to continue tomorrow at 12:30 p.m.