Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed on Friday the federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 as one reflective of the needs of the people. 

During a meeting with senators and members of the National Assembly a day after the lower house passed a Rs17.6 trillion federal budget he appreciated the hardwork economic team in crafting a budget that represents the aspirations of the Pakistani people and thanked the allied parties for shaping the same. 

The National Assembly approved on Thursday the Rs17.6 trillion worth budget along with Rs463 billion new taxes, bringing the digital economy under the purview of tax laws but almost nullified the single largest enforcement measure to ban economic transactions by ineligible persons. The budget was passed with a comfortable majority. 

Read: NA passes Finance Bill with Rs463b new taxes

The premier stressed on the importance of unity moving forward for Pakistan’s economic growth.

He called on all stakeholders to work together tirelessly for the country’s progress, stating, “I firmly believe that this exemplary unity will ensure Pakistan’s economic growth”.

Shehbaz also underscored Pakistan’s recent victory over India in the face of unwarranted aggression and praised the combined efforts of the armed forces, political leadership, the public, civil society and the media in defeating the enemy’s nefarious intentions.

Read more: Economic team lauded for ‘balanced budget’

The PM noted that this victory has elevated Pakistan’s global standing.

Moreover, he commended the diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in presenting Pakistan’s clear stance and exposing India’s aggressive plans before the international community. 

The delegation, led by Bilawal, was warmly received internationally, and overseas Pakistanis also hailed the government and armed forces for their diplomatic and military succes, according to Shehbaz. 

Moving onto the recently culminated Israel-Iran war, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s full solidarity with Iran and the Iranian people.

He added that Pakistan had maintained complete communication with Iranian leadership, particularly with President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, during the conflict.

The PM expressed hope that resolution of the Israel-Iran dispute would open doors to peace and prosperity in the region.

The meeting was attended by the Senate chairperson, members of the federal cabinet and members of the National Assembly.