ISLAMABAD: The Senate has endorsed the recommendations put forward by its Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue concerning the Finance Bill 2026 and forwarded them to the National Assembly for consideration.
The motion was presented by the committee’s chairman, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, who said the proposed budget legislation contains several important reforms aimed at improving the country’s fiscal framework. He added that the committee’s suggestions are designed to make these measures more equitable, practical and widely acceptable.
According to Mandviwalla, the Senate has finalized 123 recommendations for inclusion in the Finance Bill. Among the key proposals are a minimum 15 percent increase in government employees’ salaries, expansion of the tax net and avoiding additional taxation on essential consumer goods.
The committee also recommended lowering taxes on fertilizers, seeds and agricultural machinery to provide relief to farmers and strengthen the agriculture sector.
Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan told the Senate that Pakistan has highlighted India’s alleged weaponization of water resources at various international forums.
He claimed that India is constructing five dams on the Chenab River, which are expected to be completed within the next four to five years. According to him, these projects could enable India to temporarily restrict the river’s flow for periods of 60 to 90 days.
Rana Sanaullah suggested that Pakistan respond by building water reservoirs at three or four locations along the Chenab River. He said such infrastructure would allow the country to store surplus water during high flows and utilize those reserves whenever upstream supplies are reduced, helping ensure a more stable water supply.
