Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has instructed its Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) to vote in favor of the federal budget during today’s crucial budget session. The directive was issued during the PPP’s parliamentary party meeting in the National Assembly, chaired by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. All PPP lawmakers, including Asifa Bhutto Zardari attended the meeting. During the session, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was briefed on the amendments made to the budget following the PPP’s proposals. 

Party members were informed that several key demands had been accepted, including a 20% increase in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) budget. Additionally, taxes on solar panels have been reduced by nearly 50% in response to PPP’s recommendations, and stringent proposed amendments related to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) have been withdrawn. The government has also agreed to increase salaries by 10% and pensions by 7%, aligning with PPP’s demands.

Further relief has been granted to salaried individuals through adjustments in income tax. Another significant achievement for the PPP is the restoration of the budget allocated for universities in Sindh, which the federal government has reinstated following the party’s persistent lobbying. National Assembly is scheduled to hold the budget session today, where the passage of the Finance Bill is expected.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)