ISLAMABAD – The National Assembly of Pakistan has officially begun the clause-wise approval of the Federal Budget 2025-26, marking a crucial phase in the legislative process. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chaired the session, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in attendance.

The approval of the Finance Bill 2025 is the final step needed to implement the government’s financial roadmap for the new fiscal year beginning July 1. Finance Minister Aurangzeb presented motions for the passage of the Finance Bill, which were approved through a majority vote, allowing clause-by-clause deliberation to begin.

Opposition Calls for Public Input Rejected

The opposition presented amendments calling for public consultation before the bill’s final passage. Mubeen Arif proposed delaying the Finance Bill to gather citizen feedback, while Aaliya Kamran emphasized that taxpayers the real stakeholders must be involved in shaping fiscal policy.

Despite their arguments, the proposed amendments were rejected by a majority vote, clearing the way for uninterrupted budget processing. The motion to consider the Finance Bill 2025 as reported by the Standing Committee on Finance was also challenged by opposition benches but was ultimately upheld.

Significance of Budget Approval

The passage of the Finance Bill empowers the government to implement new tax policies, allocate development funds, and execute economic reforms outlined in the federal budget. With the clause-wise review underway, the government remains on track to meet the constitutional deadline before the new fiscal year begins.

This session reaffirms the government’s control in the Assembly and highlights the opposition’s concerns over transparency and public involvement in the national budgeting process.