• Opening day dominated by political speeches in NA
• Achakzai says freezing funds will hit provinces’ health, social sectors
• PM defends govt’s approach, highlights Balochistan projects
• Supports border fencing for national security; renews offer for talks with opposition
• MQM calls for strong local govt system, approval of 28th Amendment

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Saturday formally began a general debate on the federal budget for the next financial year, with lawmakers delivering lengthy speeches and mostly raising political and local issues rather than discussing the budgetary proposals presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb amid noisy opposition protest on Friday.

The highlight of the opening day of the budget debate was a more than hour-long speech by Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and an immediate response from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who attended the sitting for a significant time.

In his speech, Mr Achakzai criticised the government’s decision to freeze development allocations for the provinces, contending that it would hit their health and social sectors. The opposition leader began his speech by dwelling on regional history, starting from 1860, and linking it with the prevailing law and order situation and lack of consensus among political parties in the country.

Mr Achakzai was still on his feet when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif entered the house amid desk-thumping by treasury members.

The premier carefully listened to the opposition leader’s speech and immediately took the floor for a response, while affirming the government’s commitment to contributing to the development of all provinces. He said everyone could have a political viewpoint and a different vision, but “we are here, if Pakistan exists”.

“There is no difference of opinion on this,” PM Shehbaz said, while referring to Mr Achakzai’s assertion that provinces had the right to their indigenous financial resources.

The prime minister recalled a number of projects being carried out in Balochistan, the home province of the opposition leader.

“You did not demand this nor did someone else. But as the prime minister of Pakistan, it is my responsibility to do my best so that all four provinces are at the same level in the race to progress,” he said.

The premier also highlighted the “share of the people of Balochistan” in the Reko Diq project and the National Finance Commission Award, under which the province’s share had been doubled. He also recalled the distribution of solar panels among farmers in Balochistan, adding: “This is a tale of brotherhood.” He mentioned a road being built from Chaman to Gwadar.

Addressing Mr Achakzai, PM Shehbaz said: “You spoke about the armed forces in your speech.” He recalled that 22 army officers and personnel were martyred in the recent helicopter crash.

“You spoke about the Durand Line. This is your opinion and we respect it. However, I think that it was an absolutely appropriate move if fencing has been put up for the security of Pakistan and its people. If the billions of rupees spent on that 2,000km line save the life of even one child, then I think that the entire money was spent in the right way,” he said in response to Mr Achakzai’s criticism of the fencing of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

The premier also mentioned the surge in terrorism in KP and the sacrifices rendered by soldiers while defending homeland. “If we do not respect our martyrs, what will the world say? Keep the world aside, what will their orphaned children say?” he remarked.

The PM recalled past cordial interactions with Mr Achakzai in the “good old days”, emphasising the importance of unity within a nation. He then reiterated his offer to the opposition for talks and a charter of democracy, but was interrupted by PTI’s Sanaullah Mastikhel, who asked him to take a step forward.

The PM in his usual wit responded: “You are my friend — if you take one step, you will be with us.”

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan took the floor as soon as the prime minister left the house after his speech. Mr Khan criticised the alleged role of the establishment in the country’s political matters.

“Where should we go and tell our grievances? You always speak of consensus among political parties, but your behaviour should display that too and the rights of Imran Khan have to be given while he is in prison,” he said.

In his speech, Dr Farooq Sattar of the MQM stressed the need for the approval of the 28th Amendment, which relates to a strong local government system in the country. He said local bodies were essential for the country’s progress.

The NA will continue the debate on the budget today (Sunday).

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2026