National Assembly approves federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27

The National Assembly on Tuesday approved the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 after completing the budget debate and voting process. Following the approval, the assembly session was adjourned until 11am the next day.

The budget session was chaired by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, with lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches participating in discussions before the final approval. The budget had originally been presented on June 12 by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, who outlined the government’s economic priorities and fiscal strategy for the upcoming financial year.

The approved federal budget carries a total outlay of more than Rs18.77 trillion and includes a range of measures aimed at providing relief to different segments of society. Among the key proposals are tax relief for salaried individuals, increases in salaries and pensions of government employees, a reduction in withholding taxes on property transactions, and the removal of certain super tax measures.

Pro-Khalistan protest briefly disrupts Diljit Dosanjh concert in San Francisco

During his budget speech, the finance minister highlighted improvements in major economic indicators, stating that large-scale manufacturing recorded a growth rate of 6.1 percent during the current fiscal year. He also noted that the services sector expanded by 4.1 percent, contributing positively to overall economic performance.

Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s economy had reached a size of $452 billion, describing it as a significant milestone. He further stated that per capita income increased from $1,751 to $1,901, reflecting what the government considers progress toward economic stability and growth.

The approval of the budget marks the completion of one of Parliament’s most important constitutional responsibilities. The government maintains that the new fiscal plan will support economic growth, improve public welfare, and strengthen fiscal management, while opposition lawmakers continue to raise concerns over revenue targets, inflation, and resource allocation.