NA passes FY2026–27 budget without opposition present

The National Assembly on Tuesday passed the budget for the upcoming fiscal year during a session that was marked by an opposition walkout.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the bill in the House for approval after the opposition members walked out in protest.

The walkout happened after a speech by Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who strongly criticised the government on several issues.

His speech was not shown live on television or official social media platforms, even though Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had recently lifted restrictions on broadcasting opposition speeches.

Later, Achakzai posted on X: “We have taken an oath to protect the Constitution of Pakistan. You have supported undemocratic forces in trampling the Constitution; through your vote, you have clipped the wings of the judiciary.”

He said this was part of his speech in the National Assembly, which he claimed was “censored”.

Opposition leader criticises government

Tensions rose in the House as Achakzai continued his criticism, drawing a strong response from the Speaker.

He also questioned the Speaker’s conduct and referred to disqualification of certain lawmakers, apparently from PTI.

Achakzai criticised the government’s actions against Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Dr Mahrang Baloch, who was sentenced to life imprisonment.

He also spoke about unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and criticised the government’s response.

Addressing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was present in the House, he said Pakistan should be seen as all its provinces together, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab.

He accused the government of weakening democratic institutions and urged stronger representation for all regions.

PM Shehbaz highlights US-Iran talks

After the opposition walkout, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the House and expressed hope that the US-Iran memorandum of understanding would lead to a long-term agreement.

He referred to recent talks held in Switzerland, where Pakistan and Qatar played a mediating role between the two sides.

The prime minister said Pakistan made sincere efforts to bring both sides closer, and that technical talks would continue for 60 days, covering key issues including nuclear matters and frozen assets.

He said he hoped the agreement would contribute to global peace.

Shehbaz Sharif also said Pakistan’s role in the process had been widely highlighted in international media and praised it as a positive development for the country.

He added that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was expected to visit Pakistan, and said the focus should remain on strengthening bilateral relations rather than internal differences.