Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday lauded the federal budget for fiscal year 2025–26, describing it as a true representation of the people’s hopes and needs. In a meeting with senators and members of the National Assembly, a day after the lower house passed the Rs17.6 trillion budget, the prime minister praised the economic team’s efforts and thanked coalition partners for their support in shaping and passing the budget.
Highlighting the significance of the newly approved budget—which includes Rs463 billion in new taxes and expands the tax net to cover the digital economy—Shehbaz stressed that it was passed with a clear majority, reflecting strong parliamentary backing.
Emphasizing the importance of national cohesion, the premier said, “I firmly believe that this exemplary unity will ensure Pakistan’s economic growth,” and urged all political and institutional stakeholders to work collectively for the country’s advancement.
Touching on recent geopolitical developments, Shehbaz hailed Pakistan’s firm response to Indian hostility, crediting the unified stance of the armed forces, political leadership, civil society, and the media for foiling what he termed “nefarious designs.” He added that Pakistan’s response had significantly elevated its international stature.
The prime minister also applauded Foreign Minister and PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s leadership on the diplomatic front, particularly for effectively communicating Pakistan’s stance and exposing Indian aggression at global forums. He noted that Bilawal’s delegation received a positive international reception, with overseas Pakistanis also praising the country’s diplomatic and military achievements.
On regional stability, Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity with Iran amid the recent Israel-Iran conflict. He said Islamabad remained in close contact with Iranian leadership, including President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, throughout the hostilities, and expressed hope that a peaceful resolution to the dispute would foster broader regional peace and prosperity.
The meeting was attended by the Senate chairperson, members of the federal cabinet, and parliamentarians from the National Assembly.
