Pakistan’s National Assembly on Tuesday approved the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27. The vote came after opposition lawmakers staged a walkout during the session.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb moved the Finance Bill for approval after opposition members left the House.
The budget’s passage clears the way for the government’s fiscal plans for the coming financial year.
Opposition Walks Out After Achakzai Speech
The walkout followed a speech by Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai. He criticised the government on constitutional and political issues.
Controversy emerged when his speech did not appear on National Assembly social media channels or television broadcasts.
The development drew attention because Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had recently lifted restrictions on broadcasting opposition speeches.
After the session, Achakzai accused authorities of censoring his remarks.
In a post on X, he shared part of his speech and wrote: “We have taken an 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.”
He said the statement came from an address that was “censored”.
Opposition lawmakers then left the House in protest.
Government members stayed in the chamber and completed the budget approval process.
The budget includes measures aimed at maintaining economic stability and continuing ongoing reforms.
PM Shehbaz Highlights US-Iran Talks
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed lawmakers after the opposition’s departure. He focused on Pakistan’s role in recent diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran.
The prime minister referred to talks held at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock.
Senior delegations from Washington and Tehran participated in the discussions.
Pakistan and Qatar acted as mediators.
“Pakistan tried its best, with complete sincerity, to bridge the distance between the two sides,” the prime minister said. According to him, negotiations started on Sunday and continued into Monday.
The discussions concluded with a joint statement from the mediating countries. The premier said technical talks would continue over the next 60 days.
He added that discussions would cover Iran’s nuclear assets, ballistic missile programme and frozen assets.
“We fully hope that the MoU will turn into a long-lasting agreement over the next 60 days, leading to peace in the world,” he said.
Pakistan’s ‘Historic’ Role
PM Shehbaz congratulated parliamentarians and the nation on what he called Pakistan’s “key” and “historic” role in the diplomatic process.
“The world’s renowned newspapers featured Pakistan on their front pages,” he said.
He described the international coverage as a major achievement for the country. The prime minister called it a “positive narrative” for Pakistan.
He added that “we would not have been able to achieve it even after spending billions of rupees”.
The premier also informed lawmakers that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was expected to arrive in Pakistan later in the day. He said both countries would discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations.
The budget’s approval and Pakistan’s diplomatic role dominated the day’s proceedings.
The developments highlighted Islamabad’s efforts to project economic stability and strengthen its regional influence.
