National Assembly Enacts FY2026-27 Budget Amid Opposition Walkout]

The National Assembly passed the budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 on Tuesday during a session marked by opposition members walking out in protest.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the budget proposals to the House for approval following the opposition’s withdrawal from proceedings.

The disruption was preceded by a speech from Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who criticized the government on multiple fronts.

Despite Speaker Ayaz Sadiq lifting restrictions on broadcasting opposition speeches the previous Sunday, Achakzai’s address was not streamed on the Assembly’s official social media platforms or television channels. Achakzai later alleged on X that his speech had been censored, stating, “We have taken oath to protect the Constitution of Pakistan. You have supported undemocratic forces in trampling the Constitution; through your vote, you have clipped the wings of the judiciary.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Assembly afterward, expressing optimism that the recent US-Iran agreement reached in Switzerland would evolve into a lasting settlement. He highlighted Pakistan’s mediating role alongside Qatar at the Burgenstock summit, where delegations engaged in lengthy discussions that extended past midnight into Monday.

“Pakistan tried its best, with complete sincerity, to bridge the gap between the two sides,” the PM stated, noting that technical negotiations over the next 60 days would address Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and frozen assets.

He expressed hope that the memorandum of understanding would lead to global peace, while congratulating the nation and Assembly members—including opposition legislators—on Pakistan’s prominent role in the breakthrough. “International newspapers featured Pakistan on their front pages,” he observed, adding that the achievement could not have been realized even with substantial financial investment.

Regarding upcoming diplomatic engagements, the PM noted Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s scheduled visit and emphasized that discussions would focus on strengthening bilateral ties, asserting that differences should not be raised at this juncture.

The premier also expressed disappointment over the absence of Opposition Leader Achakzai during the proceedings.

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