NA sees heated budget debate

Opposition raises rights, governance concerns as government defends security record

ISLAMABAD:

A heated exchange between the government and opposition marked proceedings in the National Assembly on Monday during debate on the Interior Ministry's budget and cut motions, as lawmakers sparred over human rights, security operations and political accountability in a charged sitting in Islamabad.

The session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, saw repeated interruptions as opposition members questioned the government's record on governance and civil liberties, while the treasury benches defended security gains and institutional performance across multiple sectors.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry led the government's defence of the ministry, saying it carried the responsibility of 501 martyrs and several ghazis.He said 1,020 personnel had been martyred in operations against terrorism.

He said that 3,355 terrorist incidents were reported during the period, with around 95% occurring in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Opposition leader Barrister Gohar Khan, speaking during the debate, raised concerns over political victimisation and alleged violations of human rights over the past four years. He said such practices undermined democratic norms and institutional trust.

Criticising the government, he warned against using the events of May 9 for political victimisation, arguing that legal proceedings should not be influenced by political considerations.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar responded by stating that two opposition members had been given representation in the JCP. He also criticised the opposition for boycotting key meetings and said important criminal law reforms remained pending at the committee stage.

Separately, JUI-F MNA Noor Alam Khan highlighted the worsening security situation, saying terrorism had severely affected K-P and Balochistan, and urged that no distinction be made between different categories of terrorists.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly approved demands for grants worth over Rs10.414 trillion covering 32 ministries and divisions. A total of 135 demands were passed, while 587 opposition cut motions were rejected by majority vote.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the budget demands for approval, with opposition members submitting multiple cut motions across key ministries, including 90 against the Cabinet Division, 116 against the Energy Division, and 100 against the Finance Division.