in the Senate, the opposition denounced the upcoming fiscal year’s budget as anti-people, claiming the government does not represent the public. They argued that while the people gave their mandate to PTI, another entity formed the government. The opposition warned that a mini-budget would be introduced within the next three months, and if the current tax-heavy budget is approved, it would lead to a revolution in the country.
The Senate session, chaired by Deputy Chairman Syed Sardar Khan, began. With distributing additional budget documents sent by the Ministry of Finance. During the budget debate, PTI’s parliamentary leader. Senator Ali Zafar expressed his disappointment over. The absence of responsible government officials, particularly the Finance Minister. Zafar criticized the budget as anti-people, highlighting its significant burden on taxpayers without offering relief. He emphasized that when a non-representative government imposes taxes. It historically triggers revolutions, citing examples from Britain. The USA, and the French Republic.
Zafar criticized the Finance Minister for his lack of experience and knowledge in taxation, pointing out that . The minister transitioned directly from being the president of HBL to his current role. Despite the Finance Minister’s claims of identifying the country’s economic issues, Zafar argued that . The budget did not reflect these insights. He warned that printing more money would only lead to inflation and described the budget as a recipe for disaster. Zafar also noted that the budget proposes a 40% tax increase. Which he argued would stifle growth. He disputed claims that the budget would tax businesses instead of consumers. Asserting that manufacturers would pass these taxes onto consumers. Thus harming the economy.
Zafar pointed out that a significant portion of the budget would go towards debt repayment, a cycle that continues each year without any plans to address it. He criticized the allocation of billions for the gas sector despite poor service delivery and questioned the logic behind such decisions. He also noted that the budget did not consider the nation’s welfare and accused . The Election Commission of Pakistan is contributing to the current economic situation. Zafar lamented that this budget would decimate the property. The construction sector.Has also criticized the influence of the IMF on domestic legislation.
PPP Senator Quratul Ain Marri and ANP Senator Haji Hidayatullah also criticized the budget, Highlighting issues like prolonged load-shedding and the high taxation on essential goods and services. Marri accused the government of failing to consult with its allies .And criticized the allocation of resources.
In the National Assembly, opposition leader Umar Ayub labeled the new budget as “economic terrorism” against the people and the future of Pakistan. Ayub criticized the reception of the Prime Minister in China and accused the government of failing to attract investments due to incompetent ministers. He also criticized the government’s economic policies, calling the budget a fraud against the people.
In response to Ayub’s speech, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called the PTI hypocritical and politically manipulative. He pointed out how the economy was mismanaged under PTI rule and justified the current administration’s actions to stabilize the economy. Asif also addressed issues of accountability and the need for political integrity.
The budget debate in both houses of parliament highlighted deep political divisions and concerns about the country’s economic future. The opposition’s vehement criticism reflects widespread dissatisfaction and underscores the current government’s challenges in addressing economic instability and public discontent.
