In an important development, Leader of the Opposition, Raja Riaz Ahmad, is set to initiate the budget debate on the upcoming fiscal year’s budget in the National Assembly today. The budget, presented by Federal Finance and Revenue Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, last Friday (June 9), is expected to be passed on June 24.
General Budget Debate
According to highly placed parliamentary sources, this year there will be no fixed time limit for the members participating in the general budget debate. The duration of each speech will be determined by the chair. Speaker National Assembly, Raja Pervez Ashraf, will preside over the session on the opening day of the debate, while the subsequent sessions will be conducted by the deputy speaker and chairmen of panels.
Former Finance Minister Punjab Sardar Muhammad Mohsin Leghari Joins the Discussion
One of the notable participants on the first day of the budget debate will be Sardar Muhammad Mohsin Leghari, the former Finance Minister of Punjab. Previously, Leghari strongly opposed the decision of former PTI Finance Minister, Shaukat Tarin, to back out of the commitment made regarding surrendering the surplus amount at the end of the previous fiscal year. Leghari’s perspective on the budget proposals is eagerly awaited.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Presence
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the leader of the house in both houses of the Parliament, will be present in the National Assembly during the first speech on the budget, as per tradition. His attendance underscores the significance of the budgetary process.
Supplementary Budget and Legislation
The government is planning to introduce supplementary legislation and a budget for the ongoing fiscal year on June 23. These additional measures will provide further clarity and address any emerging financial requirements.
Senate’s Role in the Budget Debate
Simultaneously, the upper house of the Parliament, the Senate, will commence its own debate on the budget today. The Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Wasim Shehzad of the PTI, will initiate the discussion. It is expected that the Senate debate will not extend beyond the constitutional allowance of 14 days.
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Article 73 of the constitution outlines the parliamentary procedures concerning money bills, including the finance bill containing the annual budget statement. It states that a money bill should originate in the National Assembly. However, when a money bill is presented in the National Assembly, a copy must also be transmitted to the Senate. The Senate has a window of 14 days to provide recommendations to the National Assembly. According to the sources, the Senate is likely to complete its debate and transmit its recommendations within a week.