ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday called for a fact-based discussion on the federal budget 2026-27, urging lawmakers to avoid political misrepresentations during parliamentary debates.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Ahsan Iqbal responded to comments made by former National Assembly Speaker and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser during the ongoing budget debate. He stressed that constructive dialogue on economic policies should focus on facts and national interests.
According to Beyond Time News, the minister used the occasion to defend the government’s economic direction while criticizing the governance record of the former PTI administration.
Ahsan Iqbal Criticizes PTI’s Democratic Record
During his speech, Ahsan Iqbal accused the previous PTI government of weakening democratic norms and parliamentary traditions.
He claimed that opposition lawmakers frequently struggled to secure production orders for detained members of parliament during PTI’s tenure. According to him, authorities often ignored repeated requests from opposition parties.
“We witnessed a period when opposition members had to repeatedly request production orders for arrested parliamentarians,” he said.
The minister argued that democratic institutions function best when governments respect parliamentary rights and ensure equal treatment for all elected representatives.
Questions Raised Over Judicial Compliance
Ahsan Iqbal also criticized PTI’s handling of judicial decisions. He alleged that the former government delayed the implementation of Supreme Court orders related to local governments in Punjab.
According to the minister, authorities failed to enforce court directives for several months after the restoration of local government structures.
He said respect for judicial decisions remains essential for democratic governance and institutional stability.
Allegations of Political Victimization
The planning minister further accused the PTI administration of using accountability mechanisms for political purposes.
He stated that several senior leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) faced legal cases and imprisonment during the previous government’s tenure.
Among those he mentioned were former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Khawaja Asif, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Hamza Shehbaz, and Rana Sanaullah.
Ahsan Iqbal argued that political stability requires fair treatment of all political parties and leaders.
Development Projects Highlighted in Swabi
The minister also highlighted development initiatives undertaken in Swabi, the constituency represented by Asad Qaiser.
He said the federal government established a university in the area and noted that he personally laid its foundation stone.
According to Ahsan Iqbal, development projects should remain a priority regardless of political affiliations. He emphasized that investment in education and infrastructure can support long-term economic growth.
Asad Qaiser Criticizes Budget 2026-27
Earlier during the session, Asad Qaiser criticized the federal budget and argued that it failed to provide meaningful relief to the public.
He reiterated PTI’s willingness to participate in discussions on a Charter of Economy. He also called for the formation of an election commission that enjoys the confidence of all political stakeholders.
Qaiser stressed the importance of judicial independence and a stronger parliament. He urged political parties to work together to strengthen democratic institutions and improve governance.
Concerns Over Tobacco Industry and Energy Shortages
Highlighting issues affecting his constituency, Asad Qaiser noted that approximately 70 percent of Pakistan’s tobacco production comes from his region.
He called for greater attention to the challenges faced by tobacco growers and local communities.
Qaiser also raised concerns about electricity shortages in areas surrounding Tarbela Dam. He said residents continue to experience up to 12 hours of load-shedding despite the dam generating more than 6,400 megawatts of electricity.
According to him, communities living near major power generation facilities should receive priority access to electricity.
Read more:Islamabad Governance Reforms Under Consideration as Population Reaches 2.4 Million, Says Ahsan Iqbal
Budget Debate Continues in National Assembly
The budget debate remains one of the most important parliamentary discussions ahead of the approval of the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Government members continue to defend the budget as a balanced plan focused on economic stability and growth. Meanwhile, opposition parties argue that it does not adequately address inflation, unemployment, and public welfare concerns.
Analysts believe the debate reflects broader political and economic challenges facing Pakistan as lawmakers examine spending priorities, taxation measures, and development goals.
Looking Ahead
As discussions continue, both government and opposition leaders are expected to present additional recommendations and proposals before the budget receives final approval.
The coming days will likely shape public perception of the government’s economic strategy and determine whether lawmakers can find common ground on key national issues.
FAQs
What did Ahsan Iqbal say about the budget debate?
He said discussions on the federal budget should focus on facts rather than political misrepresentations.
Why did Ahsan Iqbal criticize the PTI government?
He accused the former PTI administration of weakening democratic norms, delaying judicial decisions, and politically targeting opposition leaders.
What concerns did Asad Qaiser raise?
Qaiser criticized the budget, highlighted electricity shortages, and called for judicial independence and electoral reforms.
What development project did Ahsan Iqbal mention in Swabi?
He highlighted the establishment of a university in Swabi and said he personally laid its foundation stone.
Why is the budget debate important?
The debate allows lawmakers to review government spending plans, economic policies, and development priorities before final budget approval.
#PakistanBudget2026 #AhsanIqbal #NationalAssembly #BudgetDebate #PakistanPolitics #EconomicPolicy #AsadQaiser #DevelopmentProjects #Parliament #PakistanNews #FiscalPolicy #GovernmentReforms
