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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Bilawal explains why PPP supports federal budget
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday outlined his party's reasons for supporting the PML-N-led ruling coalition's second budget, saying key amendments were made based on PPP's input. Addressing the National Assembly ahead of the budget's passage, Bilawal explained why the PPP Parliamentarians – a major coalition partner – had decided to back the finance bill, despite earlier objections. The PPP's support comes just days after it strongly criticized the federal budget, accusing the government of discriminating against Sindh and threatening to boycott the approval process. A similar standoff occurred last year between the PPP and the PML-N, which the PTI had described as a "fixed fight" meant to deflect public scrutiny. Nevertheless, things remained largely calm between the PPP and the PML-N during this year's budget session. In his speech, Bilawal noted that the government had increased funding for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), a welfare scheme introduced by his mother & former premier Benazir Bhutto, by 20 per cent. The PPP leader criticized the previous PTI government for attempting to undermine BISP in every budget and commended the incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for consistently increasing its funding since assuming office. The PPP chairman further noted that the government raised the income threshold for tax exemption from Rs600,000 to Rs1.2 million annually. Additionally, he highlighted that the tax on solar panels was reduced from 18 per cent to 10 per cent following objections raised by PPP members. Bilawal also welcomed the decision to curtail the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)'s arrest powers. Under the new policy, arrests in tax cases can now only be made in instances of proven fraud and not at the inquiry stage. Moreover, such offences have been declared bailable. "These are the reasons why the PPP is supporting this budget," he said. Earlier, the PPP chairman chaired a meeting of PPP parliamentary party, attended by all PPP lawmakers. During the session, PPP members briefed Bilawal on their proposals regarding the federal budget. He was also informed about the amendments incorporated into the budget as a result of PPP's input. Bilawal was given a detailed briefing on the acceptance of the party's demand for a 20% increase in the budget of the BISP program, a party statement said, adding he was also apprised that the tax on solar panels has been slashed by nearly 50% in response to PPP's consistent advocacy. Bilawal was also informed about how the government withdrew the controversial amendments related to FBR's powers to arrest owing to PPP's strong reservations. On PPP's suggestion, the PPP lawmakers were told that the federal budget now includes a 10% increase in government salaries and a 7% rise in pensions. Moreover, PPP legislators were briefed that the party secured complete income tax exemption for salaried individuals earning up to Rs100,000 per month. Another key achievement highlighted during the briefing was the restoration of budgetary allocations for universities in Sindh following PPP's demand.
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PPP straddles the fence on ally's hybrid model claims
Listen to article The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), once a fierce critic of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for claiming to be "on the same page" with the establishment, now finds itself in a rather awkward silence after its key ally in the ruling alliance not only admitted to the existence of a hybrid model but appeared to wear the newfound power-sharing arrangement with the military as a badge of honour. The recent confession by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif – about what has long been an open secret – has laid bare an uncomfortable truth: the PML-N-led government is now openly conceding to operating under a power-sharing arrangement with the military. Asif not only just lifted the curtain but drew it wide open, calling the current setup "exemplary". What raised more than a few eyebrows was Asif's thinly veiled dig at his own party leader Nawaz Sharif. He even went on to say that Sharif's failure to implement such a hybrid model in the 1990s led to his early political exits – twice. The remark effectively undercuts Nawaz Sharif's oft-repeated claim that he was shown the door for "serving the country", making his once-defiant slogan "Mujhe Kyun Nikala" (why was I removed?) ring hollow. The PPP, which once rode the moral high horse in its opposition to military interference in civilian rule, now seems to have bitten its tongue. Its leaders, who once fired on all cylinders against PTI's so-called hybrid rule, suddenly appear to be walking on eggshells. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari not only coined the term "puppet PM" for Imran Khan but later wore that verbal jab as a political trophy, priding in having popularised the phrase during the waning days of the PTI government. Ironically, the PPP, formerly the loudest critic of the hybrid model, now appears at a loss for words about a system they themselves are actively part of. When asked to comment on Khawaja Asif's remarks, Chaudhry Manzoor, a PPP leader from Punjab, deflected, saying the question should instead be directed to the PML-N. When it was pointed out that the PPP had been vocally critical of such arrangements in the past, and now that its ally has openly admitted to it – thus making PPP complicit – he responded, "Unfortunately, I have neither listened to the interview nor do I have any knowledge about it". Senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira, when approached for comment, questioned whether anything Khawaja Asif said was actually new. "Wasn't this known to everyone all along?" he asked. When queried whether the PPP was now comfortable being part of a hybrid model, Kaira said he could not speak on behalf of the party and would need to consult the leadership to clarify their position. He also dodged the question regarding the PPP's historical criticism of hybrid arrangements, saying that only the party could take an official stance. Attempts to reach the party's Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan and PPP leader from Sindh, Shazia Marri, for comments were unsuccessful.
Express Tribune
20-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt comes under attack in NA for ignoring agri sector
PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP Lawmakers from the treasury and opposition benches on Thursday welcomed improved economic indicators and emphasized the need for bipartisan efforts to sustain economic progress and promote inclusive growth. Resuming the budget debate, Raja Qamar-ul-Islam of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) praised the budget as historic and lauded the role of Pakistan's armed forces in sending a firm message to India. He expressed confidence that the budget 2025-26 would pave the way for sustainable economic growth in the country. Amir Dogar of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) criticized the government for overlooking the agriculture sector and called for raising the minimum wage to Rs 50,000. Atif Khan of SIC criticized the budget and stressed relief measures for the poor segment of society. Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) legislator Shagufta Jumani appreciated the government for allocating significant funds to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). She also urged the government to allocate dedicated funds for polio eradication, emphasizing the importance of sustained public health efforts. Rana Hayat proposed the creation of a special House committee to focus on the problems faced by farmers, a vital segment of the economy. MNA Usama Ahmed Mela, emphasizing the critical role of agriculture in national development, called on the government to provide incentives for farmers, including subsidies for fertilizer, pesticide and broader agricultural reforms. He also suggested a review of the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) authority, indicating concerns about its administrative reach.
Express Tribune
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
MNAs demand agriculture zones
PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP Legislators from both opposition and treasury benches on Wednesday called for the establishment of Special Agriculture Zones, IT Facilitation Centers nationwide, increased farmer support, and funding for churches and temples to promote economic growth and social inclusion. Resuming general budget debate on the fifth day in the National Assembly, Dr Zulfikar Ali Bhatti of PML-N stressed the need to develop rural areas and strengthen the agricultural sector. He proposed the establishment of Special Agriculture Zones nationwide, equipped with all necessary facilities to enhance agricultural productivity. He also advocated for providing incentives to farmers. Additionally, he called for the creation of IT facilitation centers in rural regions and the implementation of skills development programs for youth, particularly in underprivileged areas, to promote self-sufficiency. Awais Haider Jhakar of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) highlighted the challenges faced by farmers and criticized government policies that have contributed to a decline in agricultural output. Abdul Ghafoor Haideri of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) urged Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah to issue a ruling calling for strict punishment of those involved in the attempted abduction of Maulana Fazl ur Rehman's son and demanded their immediate arrest. Zulfiqar Ali Behan of the Pakistan People's Party called for the imposition of an agricultural emergency in the country and the removal of taxes on fertilizers to boost farm production. He also called for the establishment of a university in Naushahro Feroze. Chaudhry Mubeen Arif Jatt of SIC demanded immediate withdrawal of the proposed 18 percent General Sales Tax (GST) on solar panels. He also highlighted the hardships faced by farmers, noting that their produce is being sold at prices lower than their production costs. Chaudhry Riaz Ul Haq of PML-N demanded a review of the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) excessive powers and emphasized the need to lower fertilizer prices. Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani of the PPP said that the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) is providing excellent services in liver transplantation. He also stated that the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway is a vital need of the people and urged authorities to pay attention to the project. MNA Sohail Sultan said that it is the government's duty to provide relief to the people. Syed Shah Ahad Ali Shah of SIC underscored the importance of offering targeted incentives to empower the nation's youth. Discussing agriculture, MNA Nasir Iqbal emphasized the importance of the sector and urged the government to either raise crop prices or reduce production costs.
Express Tribune
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Gulf crisis: Imran defers protest for 2 weeks
In view of an ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, PTI Parton-in-Chief Imran Khan has decided to defer his party's planned protest movement by two weeks, said the former prime minister's sisters on Tuesday after a meeting with him at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. "Imran Khan has postponed the protest movement for two weeks in light of global circumstances," said Noreen Khanum and Uzma Khan while talking to the media outside the prison. According to them, the nation is awaiting statements from the prime minister, the president, and the field marshal regarding Pakistan's policy on the conflict. On June 1, Imran announced the launch of a nationwide protest movement against the PML-N-led ruling coalition, declaring that he would lead the campaign from behind bars. The announcement was conveyed by PTI Senator Ali Zafar following his meeting with Imran. Addressing the media outside the prison, the senator had said the former PM had decided that the waiting game was over and the party would now take to the streets in a well-organised countrywide campaign. However, he had not disclosed when the movement would be started. Noreen noted that although the PTI founder had not met anyone for a week, he was well-informed about international affairs. "He said global developments will affect Pakistan and that all Pakistanis must unite at this time," adding that Imran is concerned over both internal and external situations. She said Imran Khan called the proposed budget elite-culture-driven and pro-rich. "Conditions for the poor have deteriorated significantly. The salaried class is bearing the entire tax burden, and poverty will further increase. "33 lakh (3.3 million) educated people have left Pakistan in the past three years. Each person who leaves takes about $30,000 with them, causing also a loss of foreign exchange." She said Imran Khan has instructed that K-P's budget will only be passed after his consultation with K-P CM Ali Amin Gandapur and other PTI leaders who are scheduled to meet him.
