The National Assembly and Senate have been convened on June 5 for the federal budget of fiscal year 2026-27, setting in motion the annual parliamentary process through which Pakistan approves its new financial plan.
The federal finance minister will present the Finance Bill 2026-27 in the National Assembly.
Every year, parliament approves the federal budget after a detailed process that begins with the presentation of the budget documents in the House.
Once the budget is presented, a formal debate begins in the National Assembly.
The budget debate in the National Assembly is traditionally initiated by the opposition leader. All political parties are given speaking time according to their parliamentary representation.
During the debate, government and opposition lawmakers present their views on tax proposals, government spending and overall economic priorities.
The debate on the federal budget in the National Assembly usually continues for eight to 10 days. Members discuss the government’s proposed revenue measures, development priorities and expenditure plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
After the debate is completed, the finance minister delivers a closing speech.
Senate given at least 14 days for recommendations
The recommendations of the Senate are also sought on the budget. Under the Constitution, the Senate is given at least 14 days to submit its recommendations.
The National Assembly then considers the Senate’s proposals and approves them clause by clause where applicable.
Finance minister responds to proposals
In the closing speech, the finance minister responds to proposals and objections raised by lawmakers during the debate.
The minister may also present possible amendments to the Finance Bill.
These amendments are then taken up as part of the approval process.
Charged expenditures are debated but not voted on
Certain expenditures are discussed in the House but are not put to a vote.
These are known as charged expenditures and include spending related to the judiciary, the President and debt repayment.
Lawmakers can debate these expenditures, but they are not subject to voting by the National Assembly.
Departmental expenditure requires approval
The National Assembly votes on and approves demands for expenditure related to government departments and institutions.
Approval of these demands is mandatory for the government to spend funds during the new fiscal year.
This stage is a key part of the parliamentary budget approval process.
Supplementary grants approved in final stage
In the final phase, the House approves supplementary grants.
These grants cover additional expenditures incurred during the previous fiscal year.
The approval of supplementary grants allows the government to regularize spending beyond earlier allocations.
Budget gets legal status after approval
The House approves tax and expenditure targets for the new fiscal year through the budget process.
Once the budget is passed, the government’s financial plan receives legal status.
The new budget and fiscal year come into effect from July 1.
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