The National Assembly is continuing discussion on the federal budget for the next financial year.

Participating in the discussion on the budget 2026-27 in National Assembly today, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the benefit of decrease in petroleum prices in the international market will definitely reach the common man.

He said the economy has come out of difficult situation and is on the right trajectory.

As regards the peace agreement to be signed between the US and Iran on Friday, he said it is a major diplomatic victory of Pakistan. He described the development as one of the most significant moments in Pakistan’s history. He said the achievement has enhanced Pakistan’s dignity, honour and international standing, calling it a source of pride for every Pakistani and a moment that should be celebrated collectively as a nation.

He said Pakistan and Iran have historic relations, expressing satisfaction that these relations have seen significant developments over the last one year.  He said restrictions on Iranian oil and gas exports are expected to be lifted, saying Pakistan can benefit immensely from it.

As regards Afghanistan, the Defence Minister recalled detailed discussions held with the Afghan side, regretting the other side is not ready to give any guarantee that the land of Afghanistan will not be allowed to be used against Pakistan. Mentioning the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war on terrorism, he said these sacrifices will not go in vain.

Taking the floor, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the government has presented a balanced budget in order to take forward the economy. He said several measures have been taken for the relief of the public.

Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan is the safest country for investment in the region. He appreciated the leadership for enhancing the country's image and reputation through its efforts for peace between Iran and the United States.

Minister for National Health Services, Mustafa Kamal, taking part in the debate emphasized the need to control population growth.

He noted that a growing population increases the demand for essential services such as healthcare, education and housing, raising the question of whether the country has sufficient resources to meet these needs.

Mustafa Kamal was appreciative of removing General Sales Tax on contraceptives in the budget, stressing it will have an impact on population control.  He said we have also prepared a population stabilization roadmap, envisaging measures to enhance awareness amongst the public.

In his remarks, Abdul Qadir Patel said Pakistan's efforts for peace between the US and Iran will be remembered for decades. He was appreciative of the civilian and military leadership for their efforts in this regard.

Saba Talpur emphasized the need for improving the infrastructure of Pakistan Railways. She said sufficient allocations should be made in the budget for this purpose.

Opposition member Sana Ullah Khan Mastikhel said there is nothing for the youth, agriculture and industries in the budget.

Sehar Kamran said the salary raise of seven percent given to the employees is not sufficient and it should be further enhanced.

Nauman Shaikh said the budget should generate employment opportunities. He said efforts should be directed towards taking the country in the right direction.

Opposition member Junaid Akbar said the FBR will not be able to achieve its revenue collection target for the next financial year.

Opposition MNA Atif Khan said this is not a pro-people budget. He said there is also a decrease in Foreign Direct Investment in the country. 

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam emphasized the need to continue the tax exemption for the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government for failing to extend any facilitation to the people of the merged areas.

Others, who spoke on the occasion, include Sahibzada Sibghatullah, Muhammad Jawed Hanif, Misbah Uddin, Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Dawar Kundi, Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Khushhal Khan Kakar, Aamer Naveed, Begum Tehmina Daultana, Khurram Shahzad Virk, Javaid Iqbal Waraich, Nasir Iqbal Bosal, Muhammad Bashir Khan, Sabheen Ghoury, Malik Ibrar Ahmed, Muhammad Muazzam Ali Khan, Ghulam Muhammad, Kiran Imran Dar, Farhan Chishti, M Iqbal Khan, Erum Hamid Hameed, Saba Sadiq, Nuzhat Sadiq, and Zeb Jaffar.

The House will now meet tomorrow at eleven in the morning.