The National Assembly on Tuesday approved 136 demands for grants amounting to trillions of rupees, even as opposition lawmakers voiced strong objections and repeatedly called for vote counts during the proceedings.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the demands, which encompass significant budget allocations for essential government ministries and departments, including defence production, law, education, health, and foreign affairs.
The opposition, led by Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub, fiercely opposed the clause-by-clause approval method. Ayub argued for a thorough scrutiny of each demand and insisted that the assembly conduct vote counts on individual motions. At one point, he remarked sarcastically, “A heart attack is likely just hearing the amount of these demands,” suggesting a medical team be summoned from Polyclinic.
Despite protests, the government proceeded with the approval process. A general vote was held, resulting in 116 members supporting the grant approvals, while 32 voted against. However, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq declined subsequent opposition requests for vote counts on each clause, further fuelling criticism from opposition members.
Among the notable budgetary approvals, Rs1.093 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Defence Production. The Ministry of Law received six separate approvals, while the Ministry of Education secured five.
Additional approvals included two each for the Information and Broadcasting Division, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Several other departments received single demand approvals, including Housing and Works, Maritime Affairs, the Senate, Ministry of Health, Overseas Pakistanis Division, Ministry of Planning, and the Railways Division, which was granted two.
The opposition continues to demand greater transparency and accountability in the budgetary process, while the government maintains that the allocations are necessary to keep vital functions and services operational.
