NA Budget Debate sees tensions flare between PPP and MQM

Express Tribune

9 hours ago

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The debate on Pakistan's proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year in the National Assembly intensified on Tuesday as tensions flared between Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and (Muttahida Qaumi Movement) MQM members.
PPP's Shazia Marri, in her address, called criticised the government's failure to announce minimum wages for workers and called for a reasonable increase in government employees' salaries.
Her speech took a unexpected turn when a heated exchange broke out between PPP and MQM members, escalating tensions in the assembly.
As Shazia stressed the importance of Karachi remaining an integral part of Sindh, MQM's Asiya Ishaq approached PPP members, leading to an intervention by Aseefa Bhutto, Sahar Kamran, and others.
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This led to a tense exchange of harsh words between both parties. Javed Hanif remarked, "You people have abandoned Karachi, and now you threaten us."
Meanhile Shazia also condemned the Israeli attacks on Iran, as well as Israel's aggression against Palestinians and India's actions. She also praised the Iranian Parliament for expressing gratitude towards Pakistan.
She highlighted the Prime Minister's decision to send a delegation abroad, which was led by Bilawal Bhutto. She lauded Bilawal Bhutto for effectively representing Pakistan on the global stage, stating, "Bilawal Bhutto has fought Pakistan's case everywhere, and his success is our success. Bilawal has made us all proud."
Shazia Marri also criticised the government for failing to address rising inflation and not announcing a minimum wage in the budget. She acknowledged that PPP had raised salaries but pointed out the government's internal divisions over the budget. She strongly opposed the 18% tax on solar panels, calling it unacceptable and stating that PPP does not support it.
Lastly, she remarked on the opposition government's performance, saying, "Everyone has witnessed the government of this opposition. You have taken the highest amount of loans in history."
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Mian Khan Bugti, belonging to the Pakistan Muslims League - Nawaz (PML-N) commended the government for allocating Rs 250 billion for the development of Balochistan, highlighting the focus on vital connectivity projects in the province.
Syed Amin-ul-Haque pointed to positive economic indicators, such as a reduction in inflation and growth in foreign exchange reserves and remittances. He noted that global financial institutions are recognizing the country's economic recovery.
Shahida Begum raised concerns over the inadequacy of the budget for education and healthcare, urging the government to increase allocations for these sectors to 4% of GDP.
Read more: Teachers decry budget, demand upgrades
Ibrar Ahmed, in his speech, declared the budget as people-friendly, stating that it outlines a vision for national development.
Engineer Amir Muqam, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, highlighted the relief provided to employees and the public in the budget.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasised the need for innovative solutions to help the people and proposed tax exemptions for employees earning up to Rs 2.2 million annually.
Syed Hussain Tariq stressed the importance of supporting the agriculture sector to ensure food security for the country.
Other members also shared their perspectives on the budget. Mian Khan Bugti praised the allocation of Rs 250 billion for Balochistan's development, with a focus on essential connectivity projects in the province.