National Assembly Begins Debate on Budget 2023-24

National Assembly Engages in Budget Debate for 2023-24

The National Assembly of Pakistan is going to start discussing the federal budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. The debate will kick off with a speech by Raja Riaz, the Leader of the opposition in the National Assembly. The opposition is referred to as "pro-government" because it consists of dissidents from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party.

The government recently announced the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which amounts to Rs14.46 trillion. They are aiming for a 3.5% real GDP growth rate. Some key proposals in the budget include a significant salary increase of 30 to 35% for federal government employees. There will also be a 33% increase in development expenditures, with a focus on infrastructure and economic growth. Additionally, the budget introduces tax incentives for sectors like agriculture, information technology, and construction to encourage investment and expansion in those areas.

Critics have labeled the budget an "election budget," suggesting that it includes measures to appeal to voters ahead of upcoming elections. Despite these criticisms, the government is expected to pass the budget without much resistance from the opposition during the debate.

The Senate is required to present its recommendations on the budget within 14 days, but the debate in the National Assembly will only last for a week. This shorter timeframe is to accommodate lawmakers who plan to go on the Haj pilgrimage. Haj is scheduled for June 29. As a result, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has requested that lawmakers stay in the country until the budget is passed, ensuring their presence for the crucial voting process.

Lawmakers who had initially planned to perform Haj requested the prime minister to arrange a special plane for them and their families to travel to Saudi Arabia before the pilgrimage. The prime minister has agreed to their request, and they are expected to depart soon after the budget is passed, using the special flight.