Islamabad:
On Wednesday, the senators rated the federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26 a critical step towards economic stabilization, national resilience, public relief and requested new measures to support low-income groups, promote clean energy and address regional disparities.
While participating in the general discussion about the 2025-26 budget, Senator Shahzaib Durrani praised the federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26, described it as a reflection of the government’s commitment to stabilize the economy, provide relief to citizens and strengthen the independence of the nation.
Senator Danish Kumar expressed concern about the growing burden of Pakistan’s debt, added that 50 percent of the national budget is being consumed by interest payments, mainly to address existing loans through additional loans.
“IMF loans are not subsidies; we are borrowed to pay previous loans, which is not a sustainable solution,” he added.
Senator Pervaiz Rashid described the federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26 balanced and pragmatic, adding that the budget offered relief to the common man and was well received by financial markets.
Senator Palwlawa Muhammad Zia Khan emphasized the need to retain the Roosevelt hotel as a national asset, urged the government to protect it from privatization.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the 10 percent increase in the salaries of government employees and a seven percent increase in pensions, described the insufficient increase against the ongoing economic difficulties and requested a review of the decision to provide greater relief to the workforce and retirees of the public sector.
She said that the reduction of trees without control is contributing to the increase in temperatures and environmental degradation.
Senator Palwlawa also opposed the imposition of an 18 percent tax on solar panels, stating that such measures could hinder Pakistan’s transition to clean energy. “The country is moving quickly towards solar energy, and this tax will discourage that change,” he added.
