Budget Session of the 16th National Assembly

Share:
     

  1. 6th session lasted for 13 sittings, totalling 69 hours and 38 minutes
  2. Time utilised for Federal Budget discussion included only 58 hours and 35 minutes over 10 sittings
  3. Six (6) government bills passed during the Session

Highlights of the Session

Federal Budget for the year 2024-2025 was presented and passed in merely 10 days during the 6th session of the 16th National Assembly. General discussion on the Federal Budget 2024-2025 was held for only 58 hours and 35 minutes over 10 sittings.

Two more MNAs, Syed Ali Qasim Gillani (NA-148 Multan-I, Punjab, PPPP) and Ms. Zainab Mehmood Baloch (Reserved Seat for Women, Punjab, PML-N) took oath on June 7, 2024. Two (2) Resolutions were adopted, two (2) Ordinances were laid and one (1) Ordinance was extended during the session.

Working Hours

The 6th Session of the 16th National Assembly was convened on June 6, 2024 and was prorogued on June 28, 2024. A total of 13 sittings were held during the session. The sittings were held for a total of 69 hours and 38 minutes with an average time of 5 hours and 21 minutes per sitting.

Figure 1: Working Hours

The longest sitting of the session was held on Monday, June 24 when the House was adjourned after meeting for 11 hours and 19 minutes. The shortest sitting was held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 when the House was adjourned after meeting for only 1 hour and 10 minutes. Schedule of the Sittings is given in Appendix A.

Agenda Items

98% of the agenda items were disposed of during the session leaving only 2% agenda items as left over. Details of the agenda items left over are given in Appendix B.

Quorum

Quorum was pointed out once during the session on June 7, 2024 and the sitting was adjourned as the House was not in order, even though 221 members had marked their attendance for the sitting.

Attendance

On average, 232 (75%) MNAs were recorded as present in the session.

Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, MNA (NA-123 Lahore, Punjab, PML-N) attended 7 or 54% sittings of the 6th session. In comparison, Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, MNA (NA-18 Haripur, KP, Independent), Leader of the Opposition, attended 13 or 100% sittings of the 6th session.

Figure 2: Attendance

Top 5 Vocal MNAs

Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, MNA (NA-18 Haripur, KP, Independent), Leader of the Opposition, was the most vocal MNA during the 6th session with a recorded talk time of 4 hour and 3 minutes. He was followed by Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan, MNA (NA-23 Mardan-III, KP, SIC) who spoke for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, MNA, (NA-71 Sialkot-II, Punjab, PML-N), Federal Minister for Defence, spoke for 1 hour and 4 minutes. Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, MNA (NA-197 Larkana-I, Sindh, PPPP) spoke for 55 minutes and Mr. Asad Qaiser, MNA (NA-19 Swabi-I, KP, SIC) spoke for 50 minutes.

Figure 3: Top 5 Vocal MNAs

Legislation

Six (6) Government bills and 2 Resolutions were passed during the session. Additionally, two (2) Ordinances were also laid during the session while one (1) Ordinance was extended.

Figure 4: Legislation

The session mainly revolved around discussion on the annual Finance Bill, 2024 which was laid in the House by Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb (Punjab, PML-N), Minister for Finance and Revenue on June 12. The House discussed the proposals from June 12, 2024 to June 28, 2024 and demands for grants from June 25, 2024 to June 28, 2024. The total days spent in budget debate were 10 while the total time included 58 hours and 35 minutes. Opposition severely criticized the budget for increasing the taxes in the different sectors. The bill was passed on June 28, 2024 and received assent by the President on June 29, 2024.

The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was laid in the House on June 06, 2024 by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights. It aimed to restore the original provision of Section 140, allowing retired Judges of High Courts to be eligible for appointment as members of Election Tribunals to hear election petitions concerning the National Assembly, Senate, and Provincial Assemblies. Additionally, for consistency, it was proposed to make retired District and Sessions Judges, as well as retired Additional District and Sessions Judges, eligible for appointment as members of Election Tribunals to handle election petitions related to local government elections. The bill was referred to Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs on June 06, 2024 and received from the Committee on June 28, 2024 with the recommendation for amending clause 1, specifically sub-clause (2), stating that “lt shall come into force at once and shall be deemed to have taken effect from the commencement of the Elections (Second Amendment) Act’ 2023(XLlV of 2023). The recommendation was accepted by the House and the bill was passed on June 28, 2024 and received assent by the President on July 08, 2024.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, MNA (NA-10 Buner KP, IND) raised an objection referring to a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits making tribunal-related amendments to electoral laws. Senator Tarar countered asserting that legislative authority lies solely with the Parliament and declared that “no court can dictate to this House.” Ms. Aliya Kamran, MNA (Reserve Seat for Women, Balochistan, JUIP)), criticized the government’s stance, suggesting it bolsters accusations of electoral manipulation. She remarked that this was “why they oppose tribunals with sitting high court judges.”[1]

The National Highway Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2024 which was introduced in the House by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights on March 15, 2024 and referred to Standing Committee on Communications on March 15, 2024. The bill had proposed that amendments may be made in the NHA Act, 1991 for smooth running of official business of the National Highway Authority (NHA). The committee submitted its report on June 10, 2024 recommending amendment in section 5/ Act XI of 1991 stating that the Chairman of the council shall be responsible for leading the council and ensuring its effective functioning and continuous development and shall not involve in day-to-day operations of the Authority. The recommendation was accepted by the House and the bill was passed on June 10, 2024 and received assent by the President on June 14, 2024.

The Pakistan Postal Services Management Board (Amendment) Bill, 2024) was introduced in the Assembly by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights on March 15, 2024 and referred to Standing Committee Communications on the same day. The bill had proposed that amendments may be made in the Pakistan Postal Services Management Board Oadinance, 2002, for smooth running of official business of Pakistan Post Office Department after the promulgation of the State-Owned Enterprises (Govemance & Operations) Act, 2023. The committee returned its report on the bill to the House on June 10, 2024 with its recommendations. The bill was passed on June 10, 2024. It received assent by the President on June 14, 2024.

The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the House by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights on March 15, 2024 and was referred to Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs the same day. The bill had proposed that amendments may be made in Pakistan National Shipping Corporation Ordinance, 1979 for smooth running of official business of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, Karachi after the enactment of the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance & Operations) Act, 2023. The Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting presented its report on the bill to the House on June 10, 2024. The committee recommended that the removal of clause 11 and substitution of section 23 of Ordinance XX of 1979, which states that “the quorum of a Board’s meeting shall not be less than six members, including not less than three independent directors and one ex-officio director.”Additionally, the committee proposed the removal of clause 12 and substitution of section 40 of Ordinance XX of 1979, which states “If a difficulty arises in giving effect to any of the provisions of this Ordinance, the Federal Government may make such order, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance and the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Act, 2023 (VII of 2023), as may appear to be necessary for the purpose of removing the difficulty.” The recommendations presented by Committee were accepted by the House and the Bill was passed on June 10, 2024. It received assent by the President on June 14, 2024.

The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the House by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights on March 15, 2024 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar MNA, (NA-221 Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh, PPPP).[2] The bill aimed to update the PBC’s governance in line with the SOE Act, 2023. It increased independent directors from four to nine, ensuring they outnumbered ex-officio members. This change expanded representation to Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The Board has now authority in appointing the Director General, enhancing transparency and efficiency in PBC’s operations. In the report presented to the House by Syed Naveed Qamar MNA, (NA-221 Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh, PPPP) Chairman of the Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, the committee proposed the amendments included introducing a new clause (ca) in section 2, defining ‘division concerned’ as the division allocated to handle the Corporation’s business, following clause (c); new clauses (fa) and (fb) after clause (f) in section 2, where ‘secretary’ is defined as per the Rules of Business, 1973 and amending section 6 to allow the Federal Government to remove an independent member by official Gazette notification, etc. The recommendations presented by Committee were accepted by the House and the bill was passed on June 10, 2024. It received assent by the President on June 14, 2024.

Ordinances

Two (2) Ordinances were laid and one (1) Ordinance was extended during the 6th session of the National Assembly.

Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab, PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, moved to lay the National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 (Ord. VI of 2024) on June 6, 2024. The Ordinance has increased the enhancement of remand period from fourteen (14) to forty (40) days under sub-section (d) of section 24 of the Ordinance.

The Elections (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 (Ord. V of 2024) aimed to restore the original provision of Section 140, allowing retired Judges of High Courts to be eligible for appointment as members of Election Tribunals to hear election petitions concerning the National Assembly, Senate, and Provincial Assemblies.

Extension of Ordinance

The Seed (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 (No. II of 2024) was extended for a further period of one hundred and twenty days with effect from June 13, 2024.

Resolutions

Two (2) Resolutions were adopted by the National Assembly during the 6th Session:

  1. Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar (Punjab PML-N), Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights, moved a resolution addressing incidents of mob lynching in Swat and Sargodha. The resolution emphasized fundamental right to life enshrined in the Constitution, urging that all individuals be treated according to the law. It condemned the increasing occurrences of mob violence across the country as intolerable in a civilized society. The resolution called upon Federal and Provincial governments to prioritize the safety and security of all citizens, particularly religious minorities and vulnerable groups. This resolution was adopted on June 23, 2024 with majority.
  2. Ms. Shaista Perviaz, MNA (Reserve Seat for Women, Punjab, PML-N), presented a resolution that was adopted by majority in the House. The resolution expressed support for Democracy in Pakistan. The resolution questioned a resolution passed by the United States House of Representatives on June 25, 2024 which had sought an independent probe of the February 2024 Pakistan General Election. In a hitting response by Pakistan’s National Assembly, the resolution questioned the right of the US in interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs despite the US being a crucial and esteemed partner of Pakistan. The resolution reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the principles articulated in the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, including democracy and fundamental human rights. It emphasized Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to uphold these principles in accordance with the aspirations of its people and the vision of its founding leaders. The Resolution was adopted on June 28, 2024 with majority.

Amid opposition uproar and protest the resolution was passed in the last 6 minutes before session adjourned. Speaking on the floor of House, Ms. Shaista Perviaz, MNA (Reserve Seat for Women, Punjab, PML-N), argued that interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs was inappropriate for global powers. Ms. Shagufta Jumani MNA, (Reserve Seat for Women, Sindh, PPPP) also stated that those who support this have no right to call themselves Pakistanis.

No opposition member could talk on the resolution, Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, MNA (NA-208 Shaheed Benazirabad-II, Sindh, PPPP), adjourned the House just 6 minutes after its adoption.[3]

Analysis

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb (Punjab, PML-N), Minister for Finance and Revenue, presented the Annual Federal Budget for the year 2024-2025 on June 12, 2024. The Finance Bill, 2024 was passed on June 28, 2024. The total budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 presented with a total outlay of Rs18.877 trillion.[4] The budget was passed on 28 June 2024. It sets a modest target of 3.6% GDP growth for Fiscal Year 2024–2025, aiming for a significant tax collection of PKR 13 trillion, which is 40% higher than last year’s target. Achieving this requires additional revenue measures amounting to at least PKR 2 trillion. Direct taxes have been increased by 48%, while indirect taxes have seen a 35% rise. The National Assembly approved expenditures spending over Rs9.4 trillion, which is five times more than last year’s approved amount. The House did not discuss the supplementary and excess budgets, and no cut motions were proposed for either fiscal year 2022-23 or 2023-24. Consequently, the demands for grants were approved without any debate.[5] Additionally, the federal government has allocated Rs.9,775 bn for debt servicing. Pakistan’s debt obligations cover domestic and foreign borrowing including external, circular, and government-to-government debts. In the fiscal year 2024-25, total spending on education amounts to Rs. 103.781 billion. Higher education will receive Rs. 79 billion, which marks a decrease of Rs. 2 billion compared to the previous allocation. Healthcare, as a devolved subject to the provinces, has been allocated Rs. 27 billion in the new budget.[6]

During the federal budget discussion, only 180 MNAs out of the 312 members of the House participated, spending a total of 58 hours and 35 minutes in the 10 sittings. In comparison, last year, 101 members participated in the budget discussion, spending 31 hours and 46 minutes across 13 sittings.

Figure 5: Comparison of Budget Sessions

In his budget speech, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb (Punjab, PML-N) said that the gross revenue receipts had been estimated at 17815 billion rupees. These included FBR’s revenue collection of 12970 billion rupees and non-tax revenue of 4845 billion rupees. The share of provinces in the federal receipts was projected to be 7438 billion rupees. The growth rate was expected to be 3.6 percent during the next fiscal year. Inflation was anticipated to be 12 percent, the budget deficit 5.9 percent of GDP, and the primary surplus would be one percent of GDP. He mentioned that 9775 billion rupees would be allocated for interest payments.

He also announced a 25 per cent increase in the salaries of government employees from Grade-1 to 16 and a 20 percent increase from Grade-17 to 22. Additionally, he proposed a 15 per cent raise in the pension of retired government employees. The minimum wages were being increased from 32,000 to 37,000 rupees. He also announced that the budget of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) had been enhanced by 27 percent to 593 billion rupees. Additionally, a proposal to increase the export refinance scheme from 3.8 billion rupees to 13.8 billion rupees was passed by the National Assembly.[7]

Water resources were earmarked 206 billion rupees, with 45 billion rupees designated for Mohmand dam, 40 billion rupees for Diamer Bhasha dam, 18 billion rupees for Chashma Right Bank Canal, and 10 billion rupees for Pat Feeder Canal.

An additional 86.9 billion rupees were proposed in the budget to facilitate the Pakistani diaspora, specifically for reimbursing TT charges.

Regarding the privatization of the PIA, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb mentioned that twelve companies had shown interest in the national flag carrier. Six companies were pre-qualified by the privatization commission. Bids are scheduled to be invited from investors by the first week of August of 2024. He also stated that the Islamabad International Airport would be outsourced initially, with international competitive bidding completed by the 15th of the following month, followed by the outsourcing of Lahore and Karachi airports.

The development budget was set at a historic level of 1500 billion rupees, with 1400 billion rupees allocated for the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) and an additional 100 billion rupees through public-private partnerships. It was noted that 2122 billion rupees were allocated for defence requirements. In addition, 824 billion rupees were proposed for infrastructure development in the next Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), including 253 billion rupees for the energy sector, 279 billion rupees for transport and communication sectors, 206 billion rupees for the water sector, and 86 billion rupees for planning and housing.[8]

The Finance Bill, 2024, with a total outlay of Rs18.877 trillion for the fiscal year 2024-25, smoothly passed through the Lower House. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb Khan introduced specific amendments, while rejecting all amendments proposed by opposition members.

The approved budget incorporates several revisions from its initial proposal presented on June 12, 2024. Key adjustments made by the government included:

  • Continuing reduced tax rates for hybrid vehicles until June 30, 2026, with rates of 8.5% for vehicles up to 1800cc and 12.75% for those between 1801-2500cc.
  • Increasing the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cement from Rs3 per kg to Rs4 per kg.
  • Extending sales tax benefits for erstwhile FATA/PATA for another year.
  • Subjecting exporters to the standard corporate tax rate of 29% plus applicable Super Tax, replacing the previous 1% tax on export turnover.
  • Introducing a 10% surcharge on income tax for individuals or associations of persons (AoPs) earning above Rs. 10 million annually.
  • Gradually increasing the levy on petrol and diesel from Rs60 to Rs70 per litre, with assurances from the finance minister of a phased implementation.
  • Imposing a Rs50 per litre levy on light diesel oil and kerosene, and a Rs70 per litre levy on high-octane fuel.

Additionally, the House approved an amendment proposed by the PPP to enhance salaries and allowances for legislators. Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel, MNA (NA-243 Karachi Keamari-II, Sindh, PPPP) emphasized that the amendment aims to increase benefits for parliament members, ensuring that unauthorized air tickets and travel vouchers carry forward to the next financial year instead of expiring.[9]

During the discussions, both opposition lawmakers and members of the government’s allied parties criticized the budget, urging the government to reconsider the taxes imposed on salaried workers, food items, and other sectors.

Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, MNA (NA-18 Haripur, KP, Independent) and Leader of the Opposition, criticized the budget, calling it a fraud against the people of Pakistan. He said it was like highway robbery, harming both the present and future of the country. He accused the budget of being influenced by economic hitmen who want to destabilize Pakistan. He claimed these same people were behind the government change in April 2022. He said the IMF had told the government to talk with others involved. Ayub also said that the Finance Minister is a professional man but was limited in what he could do. He claimed the government was trying to weaken Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb (Punjab, PML-N), Minister for Finance and Revenue, by removing him from the head of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec). Additionally, he stated, “The budget will not be passed. An illegal and anti-people budget cannot succeed.” He criticized the Federal Government for failing to impose taxes on the elite as promised in the previous budget. “Income tax is the largest source of revenue, but they fell short,” he added.”[10]

Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan, MNA (NA-23 Mardan-III, KP, SIC), stressed the importance of abolishing interest to bolster the national economy. “If we eliminate interest, all budgets would focus on the prosperity and progress of the country and its citizens,” he asserted.

Ms. Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari MNA (NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad-I, Sindh, PPPP) said that the “people of Pakistan deserve a better budget.” She urged the government to provide relief, particularly for those enduring 15-hour power outages in the heat. She called for support for farmers impacted by storms, floods, and recent contentious wheat import decisions. “We must assist blue-collar workers who face job insecurity,” she emphasized. “Investing in our human capital and directly helping the poorest citizens is essential.”[11]

Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, MNA (NA-201 Sukkur-II, Sindh, PPPP), characterized the budget as “difficult” and cautioned that it would place additional burdens on the public. He recommended that the government prioritize population control to conserve resources and enhance access to education, healthcare, and clean drinking water. “The government should incentivize the public to assist in reducing the population,”[12] he stated.

Mr. Muhammad Iqbal Khan MNA (NA-235 Karachi East-I, Sindh, MQMP) emphasized the need to explore the true potential of the blue economy to advance the country. He highlighted the importance of providing fishermen with modern tools, equipment, and training.

Ms. Sehar Kamran MNA (Reserve seat for Women, Sindh, PPPP) expressed the opinion that the revenue collection target was not realistic.[13]

Ms. Shahida Akhtar Ali, MNA (Reserve seat for Women, KP, JUIP) stated that the budget does not offer relief and criticized the government’s spending and lack of transparency in handling public funds.[14]

In response to the criticism by MNAs, Mr. Attaullah Tarar, MNA (NA-127 Lahore-XI, Punjab, PML-N), Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, remarked that the opposition had failed to present even a shadow budget and was criticizing the government without justification. He highlighted that the government had raised salaries for public servants and increased the minimum wage while also reducing tariffs for industrial electricity. “While everyone is quick to criticize, few discuss the actual content of the budget,” he added.[15]

Time consumed on discussion of Policy Issues during 6th Session

The quality of the time used during the National Assembly session can be gauged by analysing the time consumed on discussing key issues of democratic governance. The time dedicated to discussion on policy issues was 52 hours and 29 minutes. The maximum time was consumed in discussion on the General Discussion on the Federal Budget for the year, 2024-25 which lasted 47 hour and 35 minutes.[16]

 

References

  1. Iftikhar A. Khan, “Parliament okays ‘controversial’ budget for FY25,” Dawn online June 29, 2024, accessed July 12, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1842689. ↑

  2. It is noted that there is a contradiction regarding the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. According to the committee report available on the National Assembly website, the chairperson is listed as Syed Naveed Qamar. However, on the same website’s list of Standing Committees, Mr. Pullain is indicated as the chairperson. ↑

  3. National Assembly passes resolution against US call to probe Feb 8 polls, The Express Tribune online, June 28, 2024, accessed July 12, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2474906/national-assembly-passes-resolution-against-us-call-to-probe-feb-8-polls. ↑

  4. National Assembly Secretariat, National Assembly of Pakistan, June 12, 2024, accessed July 9, 2024. https://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/U+E%20Orders%20of%20the%20day.pdf. ↑

  5. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, “Budget and parliament” Dawn online, July 20, 2024, accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1846811/budget-and-parliament. ↑

  6. Federal Budget 2024-25: Budget in Brief” June 29, 2024, accessed July 20, 2024. https://www.finance.gov.pk/budget/Budget_2024_25/Budget_in_Brief.pdf ↑

  7. Imran Ali Kundi, “Govt presents Rs18.9tr budget, sets Rs13tr tax targe,” The Nation online, June 13, 2024, accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.nation.com.pk/13-Jun-2024/govt-presents-rs18-9tr-budget-sets-rs13tr-tax-target. ↑

  8. Nadir Guramani, Sanaullah Khan, “Finance Minister Aurangzeb presents Rs18.9tr federal budget ‘in line with IMF guidelines,” Dawn online, June 12, 2024, accessed July 09, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1839433. ↑

  9. Naveed Butt, Budget approved by NA ahead of fresh IMF loan” Business Recorder online, June 29, 2024, accessed July 11, 2024. https://www.brecorder.com/news/40310429. ↑

  10. “NA opposition leader assails budget’s ‘economic terrorism’ as debate opens on finance bill,” Dawn online, June 20, 2024, accessed July 8, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1840846. ↑

  11. Asim Yasin, “PPP assails budget in National Assembly” The News International online, June 25, 2024, accessed July 12, 2024. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1202910-ppp-assails-budget-in-national-assembly. ↑

  12. Aamir Saeed, “Government allies and opposition criticize federal budget, propose improvements during parliamentary debate,” Arab News online, June 24, 2024, accessed July 11, 2024. https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2536401/pakistan. ↑

  13. Muhammad Anis, “Govt under fire from allies, opposition over budget,” The News International online, June 25, 2024, accessed July 11, 2024. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1203348-govt-under-fire-from-allies-opposition-over-budget ↑

  14. NA opposition leader assails budget’s ‘economic terrorism’ as debate opens on finance bill,” Dawn online, June 20, 2024, accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1840846. ↑

  15. “Surge in terror incidence necessitated ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ operation: Tarar,” The Pakistan Today online, June 23, 2024, accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/06/23/surge-in-terror-incidence-necessitated-azm-e-istehkam-operation-tarar/ ↑

  16. It must be noted that PILDAT has classified that a policy issue is such that involves any legislation or a recommendation on devising a policy. ↑