ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), a key coalition partner of the ruling government, on Monday warned that it would withhold support for the 2025-26 budget unless the proposed tax on solar panels is withdrawn and adequate relief is provided to the poor and farmers.
Taking part in the debate on the federal budget for 2025-26, in the National Assembly, PPP lawmaker Abdul Qadir Patel said the party could not back the budget in its current form.
“We will not support everything in the budget. We are not going to support a budget that goes against the interests of the people and the country,” he added.
Patel also expressed concerns over proposed powers granted to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) under Sections 138 and 140, which would allow FBR to freeze bank accounts and withdraw funds from non-filers without prior notice.
“This is a serious violation of the Constitution,” he said. “It places businesspeople at the mercy of the FBR. They will be able to monitor any business or factory, even deploy focal persons inside shops, and arrest individuals without prior approval from a commissioner. These are powers that even National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) do not possess.”
He criticised the proposed 18 per cent tax on imported solar panels, warning it will discourage investment and hamper efforts to address the energy crisis.
“Local solar panels do not meet efficiency standards. The government appears uninterested in pulling the country out of the energy crisis,” he added.
Patel also objected to reported plans for imposing port customs clearance charges on local fishermen in Karachi, saying such fees traditionally apply only to foreign vessels.
During the ongoing budget discussion, lawmakers across party lines presented varying views. Jawed Hanif welcomed a 20 per cent increase in the defence budget, citing India’s hostile posture and the need to strengthen Pakistan’s armed forces.
Dr Mahreen Bhutto voiced strong criticism of the proposed budget, particularly objecting to the tax on solar panels. “There is no justification for imposing a tax on solar panels. We will not accept it,” she stated, urging the government to provide maximum relief to the poor, labourers, daily wage earners, and small-scale farmers.
She criticised the budget for lacking provisions aimed at supporting youth and women, and accused the government of increasing unemployment by shutting down Utility Stores. “Some 110 million people in the country are living below the poverty line, and the government has failed to enforce the minimum wage of Rs37,000.”
Usman Badini called for greater prioritisation of development and connectivity projects in Balochistan.
Anjum Aqeel highlighted reductions in tax rates for lower-income groups and said government employees’ salaries would be increased by 10 per cent, with pensions up by seven per cent.
Khurshid Junejo emphasised agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and urged more support for farmers to boost crop production.
Hameed Hussain advocated for the establishment of Daanish schools in underdeveloped areas, particularly the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Raja Khurram Nawaz stressed the need for improved sanitation and sewerage in rural areas and raised concerns about water shortages in Islamabad.
Asad Alam Niazi also urged the government to withdraw the proposed 18 per cent tax on solar panels.
Riaz Fatyana called for the promotion of public transport and the creation of youth centres to empower the younger generation.
Arshad Abdullah Vohra demanded more funds for the K-IV Water Project in Karachi.
Ali Zahid praised the budget as balanced and pro-people, noting reductions in electricity prices and a drop in inflation to four per cent.
Shehryar Afridi urged greater promotion of Islamic banking and investment in youth skills development.
Aasia Ishaque commended the government for curbing inflation and reducing the fiscal deficit.
Sher Afzal Marwat called for increased funding in education and health, emphasising their role in economic development.
Mahesh Kumar Malani stressed the importance of focusing on underdeveloped areas.
Mubarak Zeb demanded an investigation into recent attacks on his residence and called for justice for the assassination of his brother.
Farrukh Khan congratulated the government on what she called a balanced budget but recommended withdrawing the solar panel import tax and called for greater efforts on women’s empowerment.
Kiran Haider described the budget as a foundation for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.
Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood proposed increased allocations for the agriculture sector.
Meanwhile, newly elected Member of the National Assembly Saba Talpur took the oath of office.
The oath was administered by Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025