National Assembly passes federal budget as opposition walks out amid heated exchanges

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday approved the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 after a charged session marked by sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, culminating in a walkout by opposition members.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb moved the budget bill for final approval after opposition lawmakers staged a protest and exited the House.

The walkout followed a strongly worded speech by Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who criticised the government on a range of political, constitutional and governance issues.

Achakzai assails government policies

Addressing the House, Achakzai launched a broad attack on the government, questioning its handling of constitutional matters, parliamentary affairs and regional issues.

He criticised National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq over the disqualification of opposition lawmakers and accused the government of undermining democratic institutions and weakening judicial independence.

The opposition leader also raised concerns regarding the treatment of political activists and the government's handling of unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Achakzai argued that all provinces deserved equal attention and development, stressing that national progress could only be achieved through inclusive governance and equitable distribution of resources.

He urged the government to strengthen Parliament and engage constructively with all political stakeholders to address national challenges.

The opposition leader's remarks prompted a strong response from Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who rejected the allegations and defended Parliament's role and authority.

The speaker maintained that the House would not permit speeches that, in his view, undermined Pakistan's institutions, including Parliament, the judiciary and the armed forces.

He also accused sections of the opposition of refusing to actively participate in parliamentary committees and legislative processes despite repeated invitations.

Later, in an official statement, Sadiq emphasised that freedom of expression must operate within constitutional and parliamentary boundaries, adding that preserving the dignity and sanctity of Parliament remained his foremost responsibility.

He stressed that democratic institutions could only be strengthened through constructive political engagement and mutual respect.

Opposition walkout during proceedings

As tensions escalated, opposition members, including Achakzai, walked out of the House in protest.

However, lawmakers belonging to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) remained present during the proceedings.

The budget was subsequently passed by the House, enabling the government to proceed with its fiscal agenda for the upcoming financial year.

Following the opposition's departure, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Assembly and focused largely on Pakistan's recent diplomatic efforts that facilitated dialogue between the United States and Iran.

The premier expressed optimism that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Washington and Tehran would evolve into a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement within the next 60 days.

Recalling the recent negotiations held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, he said Pakistan had played a sincere and constructive role in bringing the two sides together.

“Pakistan made every possible effort to bridge differences between the parties and promote dialogue,” he told lawmakers.

The prime minister described Pakistan's involvement in the peace process as a historic diplomatic achievement that had earned international recognition.

He noted that major international newspapers had prominently highlighted Pakistan's role in facilitating negotiations, helping project a positive image of the country globally.

According to PM Shehbaz, the goodwill generated through diplomacy and peace-building was invaluable and reflected Pakistan's growing stature on the international stage.

He also acknowledged the support of Qatar in the mediation process and expressed hope that ongoing technical negotiations between the US and Iran would culminate in a durable settlement.

Responding to criticism from the opposition, the prime minister reiterated his longstanding position that Pakistan's progress depended on the development of all provinces equally.

He rejected suggestions that his remarks had favoured any particular province, stressing that national prosperity could only be achieved when all federating units moved forward together.

The premier also urged political leaders to set aside differences and focus on strengthening national unity at a time when Pakistan was receiving international recognition for its diplomatic initiatives.

With the federal budget now approved and major diplomatic developments unfolding on the regional front, the government has signalled its intention to focus simultaneously on economic stability, political continuity and international engagement in the months ahead.