Heated budget debate: PM extends an olive branch to opposition

ISLAMABAD: In a charged political atmosphere already running high on budget fumes, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday once again reached across the aisle, renewing his call for political dialogue with the opposition and urging all sides to settle differences through engagement rather than escalation.

The fresh outreach came in the immediate backdrop of a fiery, no-holds-barred address by Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai in the National Assembly amid an already tense debate on the federal budget 2026-27.

Opening the budget debate, Achakzai set the tone early with a sweeping critique of political instability, alleged victimisation and persistent security challenges, striking chords that visibly reverberated across the House.

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Responding on the floor, the prime minister struck a conciliatory note, insisting there was “no conflict” with the opposition and describing lawmakers across the divide as “brothers” tied together by Pakistan’s shared destiny.

“I am always there […] it is never too late to mend,” he remarked, reviving his long-standing pitch for a “charter of democracy” and a “charter of economy,” while expressing regret that earlier attempts at consensus-building had failed to take root.

Earlier, in a wide-ranging and at times pointed address, Achakzai accused successive governments of sidelining smaller provinces, describing regions including Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh as being treated like “colonies.”

He argued that Pakistan’s recurring crises could only be reversed through strict constitutional adherence and meaningful dialogue, warning that ignoring past mistakes would deepen existing fault lines.

He also took aim at the decision to freeze provincial development funds by the federal government, cautioning that it could carry serious long-term consequences for federating units.

Rejecting any association of Pashtuns with extremism, Achakzai denounced what he termed an ongoing “campaign” against Pashtuns in Balochistan, declaring that discrimination on ethnic, linguistic, or racial grounds was unacceptable.

“We condemn those who say Pashtuns are terrorists,” he stated firmly.

The opposition leader also revisited a litany of historical wounds in Balochistan, recalling the execution of Nawab Nauroz Khan and his associates during military dictator Ayub Khan’s era, the raid on Ataullah Mengal’s residence, the disappearance of his son and the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti, whose funeral rites, he noted, were never permitted by another military dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf.

Paying tribute to former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he credited him with helping stabilise the country after the 1971 break-up, while also recounting personal interactions with Nusrat Bhutto and past interventions regarding family property after Bhutto’s execution.

Turning to recent events, he criticised the state’s handling of protests following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, alleging excessive force against demonstrators, including women and children, in the aftermath of the May 9 unrest.

He further questioned the 2018 merger of the former FATA into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, drawing a controversial comparison with India’s revocation of Kashmir’s special status.

Warning against further militarisation of former tribal districts – particularly Waziristan – he argued that heavy security deployments had left lasting consequences and urged restraint in civil-military engagement.

“The people of Waziristan are the owners of Waziristan,” he said, stressing local rights and caution in security policy.

Despite his sharp critique, Achakzai concluded on a reconciliatory note, urging political forces to sign a memorandum of understanding to ensure constitutional continuity and political stability.

He recalled earlier mediation efforts between rival parties, including facilitating contacts between PML-N and PPP, and stressed the need for similar initiatives to defuse current tensions.

He also raised constitutional questions about whether winning candidates could be deprived of office through what he termed political engineering.

Responding briefly, Prime Minister Sharif said he had listened “carefully” to the speech but would reserve a detailed response for another occasion.

Reiterating his vision of Parliament as a “home” for all provinces and political voices, he stressed that national unity must remain above partisan divides.

Highlighting ongoing initiatives, the prime minister said the government had allocated Rs75 billion for solarisation projects for farmers and launched a Rs300 billion road project from Gwadar to Chaman, initiated on his direct instructions.

He also referred to the RekoDiq project, saying it had been finalised through consultation with provincial leadership, and cited the 2010 NFC Award as a landmark that strengthened provincial shares – particularly for Balochistan.

On security, Sharif stated that terrorism in Balochistan was being backed by foreign elements and claimed the government had evidence to support this assertion.

Defending the fencing of the Durand Line, he said it was a necessary measure to save lives and protect citizens.

“If a child’s life is saved, then spending on border fencing is justified,” he remarked.

He further stressed that political and economic stability were essential for Pakistan’s global standing, adding pointedly: “We must give the message that Pakistan thrives if Pakistan exists.”

Following his remarks, PTI’s Barrister Gohar Ali Khan briefly observed that the prime minister had not directly addressed all concerns raised by the opposition.

Throughout the sitting, members from both sides remained engaged in a tense but largely procedural debate as budget deliberations continued.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026