Opposition Rejects Federal Budget, Government Defends Economic Measures

Opposition leaders rejected the federal budget and accused the government of ignoring economic realities, increasing public burdens and failing to reduce poverty.

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Speaking at a budget seminar in Islamabad, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas criticised official poverty estimates and questioned government claims about economic conditions.

According to Abbas, many citizens continue to struggle with rising living costs. He argued that food prices remain high and public services have not improved.

Abbas compared the national economy to a household budget. He said countries that spend more than they earn eventually face debt and financial pressure.

He also argued that Pakistan’s income remains lower than its expenditure and claimed authorities had not taken sufficient steps to improve revenues or reduce spending.

Opposition Questions Economic Direction

Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said increasing poverty reflected weaknesses in current economic policies.

He argued that economic growth should improve living conditions and said low-income groups continue to face difficulties.

Khokhar also questioned the effectiveness of taxation without public services. He said governments must provide facilities alongside tax collection.

Meanwhile, PTI senior leader Salman Akram Raja described the budget as an economic emergency and linked rising debt to broader economic challenges.

According to Raja, growing debt and limited investment in health and education could affect long-term development.

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also criticised the budget and called recent years difficult for Pakistan’s economy.

Abbasi argued that debt servicing and expenditure continue to rise. He also said investors require political stability, policy continuity and rule of law.

Jamaat-e-Islami Raises Tax Concerns

Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman criticised the tax structure and argued that ordinary citizens receive limited relief.

He called for ending the petroleum levy and reducing other public expenditures, including development allocations and official vehicle costs.

According to him, changes in fuel and utility prices directly affect households across the country.

Government Defends Budget Strategy

Separately, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar defended the budget during the National Assembly session.

Tarar described the budget as relief-oriented and said it addressed the needs of different segments of society.

He stated that economists and opinion makers had responded positively to several measures. At the same time, he invited constructive proposals from the opposition.

Tarar highlighted tax relief for salaried groups and said individuals earning up to Rs50,000 monthly would remain exempt from income tax.

He also credited government policies and broader institutional support for improving macroeconomic stability and expressed confidence in future economic growth.

Referring to reforms in the FBR, Tarar said authorities introduced measures aimed at improving tax collection and reducing pressure on compliant taxpayers.