National Assembly Concludes Grant Approvals for FY2026‑27

• Lawmakers condemn interior ministry’s ‘poor performance’ amid law‑and‑order disruptions
• Opposition tables 587 cut motions over two days, all rejected

ISLAMABAD – The National Assembly on Monday finalized the budgetary allocations for federal ministries and allied departments, approving 135 grant demands for the upcoming fiscal year 2026‑27.

Over two days, the opposition moved 587 cut motions—380 on Monday alone—but all were rejected by a majority vote. The house is now slated to consider the finance bill and related fiscal measures before the overall budget is passed.

During the debate, National Assembly TV and its social media channels broadcast the opposition’s speeches, though certain statements—specifically those referencing Imran Khan and criticism of state institutions—were muted.

Interior ministry under fire

A total of 123 cut motions targeted the interior ministry, with opposition legislators criticising the performance of its key agencies—including the Federal Investigation Agency, the Anti‑Narcotics Force, the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency, and other law‑enforcement bodies. They argued that the motions highlighted the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

PTI MNA Shandana Gulzar said the country’s investment climate suffered because of law‑and‑order concerns, and that online hate speech continued to polarise society along ethnic and religious lines. “The failure of just one ministry has not only destroyed the economy of the country but also divided the society,” she stated, noting that citizens were being killed by terrorists, criminals and even law‑enforcers. She further complained about the use of cybercrime legislation to suppress dissent, claiming that the NCCIA was charging individuals for criticising politicians. “Mr Speaker, we acknowledge that criticising the state is not correct, but Maryam Nawaz is not the state; she is the political head of a province,” she added.

Hameed Hussain, an MNA from Parachinar representing the Majlis Wahdat‑i‑Muslimeen, described the law‑and‑order situation in his constituency as grave, noting that the road to Parachinar was open for only two hours a day.

Food ministry cut motions

In addition, opposition members submitted 112 cut motions concerning the food ministry. Speakers called for measures to lower fertiliser prices, introduce crop‑insurance schemes and reduce other input costs in the agriculture sector. PTI Chief Whip Amir Dogar criticised the market mechanism as exploitative. “A strange part of the story is that farmers decry low rates for their produce, while buyers—mainly urban consumers—complain about high agricultural prices,” he said. During the session, some participants praised civil and military leadership for facilitating the end of the US‑led war on Iran and urged revival of the long‑delayed Iran‑Pakistan gas pipeline to capitalise on the new situation.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2026

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