PPP blasts govt for empowering FBR against non-filers

ISLAMABAD: The government faced strong criticism on Monday from members of its main ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), in the National Assembly over granting broad powers to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and measures against non-filers, which were deemed unconstitutional.

PPP parliamentarian Abdul Qadar Patel raised concerns over the extensive authority given to the FBR, particularly the provision allowing Inland Revenue officers to arrest individuals without the Income Tax Commissioner’s permission. “How is it possible that officers can arrest and humiliate someone, only to later declare them innocent after investigations?” he questioned.

Patel also ridiculed punitive measures against non-filers, stating that the government sought to deprive them of basic rights. “The government might have forgotten restricting non-filers from getting circumcision of their children, seeking permission of commissioner for shopping of essential commodities, marriage of their children and their education,” Patel said, while ridiculing the budgetary proposals.

He issued a stern warning to the Shehbaz Sharif-led government, clarifying that the PPP would not blindly support every decision. “We will not back any move against the country or its people,” he asserted. Patel also opposed the 18 percent General Sales Tax (GST) on solar panels, accusing the government of hindering efforts to resolve the energy crisis.

Another PPP lawmaker, Nabeel Gabol, dismissed the budget as a “complete joke” and criticised the government for neglecting Sindh. “You can rely on the MQM’s support since they back you on every issue, even against provincial interests,” he said, suggesting the MQM be renamed “MQM-N” for its unwavering support of the federal budget. Gabol reminded the PMLN leadership that their government depended on the PPP’s 70 votes.

In contrast, lawmakers from the ruling party and MQM praised the budget as the best possible fiscal plan under severe economic constraints and post-conflict tensions with India. MQM’s Javed Hanif commended the government for positive economic indicators, while PMLN’s Anjum Aqeel emphasised the need for a strong budget to counter threats from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Aqeel, however, called for removing the solar tax.

JUIF’s Usman Badini opposed the GST on solar panels, advocating for renewable energy promotion. He stressed the need for better infrastructure in Balochistan, particularly in water, education and roads, and urged

modern skill development for youth, including training in artificial intelligence. PPP’s Khursheed Junejo questioned the government’s claims of economic improvement, lamenting the poor performance of the agriculture sector. He praised the military for its stance on Kashmir and water issues.

Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen’s Engineer Hameed Hussain lauded Pakistan’s support for Iran and called for a review of taxes affecting the common man. He also advocated for Danish Schools in tribal areas.

PMLN’s Raja Khurram Nawaz commended the Pakistan Army for bringing honour to the country. “My appreciation also extends to those who continue to stand by our armed forces in every testing time.” He also highlighted Islamabad’s healthcare and education deficiencies, noting the strain on hospitals due to patients from KP, AJK and Punjab. He also pointed out neglected rural areas in the capital.

Asad Alam Niazi urged swift action on renaming Islamabad Airport after Benazir Bhutto and called for broader political representation in IMF talks. He criticised the omission of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway from the budget and insufficient allocations for climate change and food security.

Riaz Fatyana praised the armed forces for countering Indian aggression and stressed the need for qualified economists in government. He called for balanced finances, mental health services and youth centres.

MQM’s Arshad Abdullah Vohra condemned Karachi’s disproportionate budget share and industrial decline, criticising K-Electric for persistent load-shedding. Vohra highlighted regional budget disparities, stating that Punjab receives 55 percent of the national budget, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 15 percent and Sindh only 25 percent. “Karachi generates a major portion of the country’s revenue, but its share in the budget is minimal. This is unjust to the people of Karachi,” he asserted.

PMLN’s Ali Zahid defended the budget as “pro-people” and hailed the reduction in electricity prices. He condemned Modi’s statements, citing Pakistan’s strong response, and credited the government for improving Pakistan’s global image, contrasting it with the previous administration’s “incompetence.”