ISLAMABAD:The National Assembly session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is underway on Thursday.
Lawmakers are continuing deliberations on the Finance Bill 2025-26 for the sixth day, with active participation expected as members scrutinize various aspects of the proposed federal budget.
Participating in the discussion, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari emphasized that Pakistan deserves a budget that is progressive, people centric and protective of the most vulnerable in society.
She said we must invest more in human capital and emphasized the need for enhanced allocations for health and education sectors.
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari welcomed twenty-one percent increase in the budget of Benazir Income Support Program.
She said it is time to expand its scope by linking it to female literacy and health insurance.
She called for a national education emergency, highlighting the critical need for greater investment in health, education, and human capital in light of escalating public hardships.
She underscored the importance of a pro-poor and pro-women budget, advocating for meaningful measures to empower women across the country.
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari stressed that Pakistan needs a budget that is progressive, centered on the people, and safeguards the most vulnerable segments of society.
She voiced strong opposition to the proposed General Sales Tax (GST) on solar panels, warning that it could hamper efforts to tackle the country’s worsening energy crisis.
Citing statistics, she noted that 56 million Pakistanis still lack access to electricity, while residents in her own constituency endure up to 15 hours of loadshedding daily.
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also praised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for effectively advocating Pakistan’s interests on the international stage and lauded the Sindh government for constructing 2.1 million flood-resistant houses across the province.
Qamar ul Islam expressed the confidence that budget 2025-26 will lay the foundation for economic growth in the country.
Amir Dogar said the minimum wage should be enhanced up to Rs 50,000.
