Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)
The federal government will present Budget 2024-25 on June 12 in the National Assembly. This decision was made during a consultative meeting of parliamentary leaders and chief whips from various political parties, presided over by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday.
The meeting’s primary focus was to discuss and finalize the agenda and duration of the National Assembly session, particularly concerning the Budget 2024-25 schedule. It was collectively agreed that the debate on the motion of thanks for the President’s address would continue on June 6 and 7.
According to the proposed schedule, the budget for the financial year 2024-25 will be officially presented in the National Assembly on June 12, 2024. Following the presentation, the session will be adjourned from June 13 to June 19. The National Assembly session will then resume on June 20.
From June 20 to June 24, the floor will be open for a general debate on the budget. Members will have the opportunity to discuss various aspects of the proposed financial plan, providing a platform for comprehensive scrutiny and feedback. On June 26 and 27, cut motions related to the budget’s demands from various ministers will be presented. These motions allow members to propose reductions in specific budget allocations, reflecting concerns or suggestions for reallocation of resources.
The schedule designates June 28 for the concluding discussion and approval of Budget 2024-25, also known as the Finance Bill 2024. This crucial session will involve detailed deliberations and the final ratification of the proposed budgetary allocations and financial policies.
The current session of the National Assembly is expected to continue until June 29, as per the meeting’s decisions. However, it should be noted that this proposed budget schedule is tentative and subject to changes based on evolving circumstances.
The budget schedule, the meeting also addressed the formation of Standing Committees and the House Business Advisory Committee. These committees play a vital role in managing parliamentary business and ensuring effective legislative oversight and function.
The meeting saw participation from several key figures, including Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Federal Law Minister Nazir Tarar, and National Assembly members Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Syed Naveed Qamar, Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani, Malik Amir Dogar, Syed Amin ul Haq, Noor Alam Khan, Ali Muhammad Khan, Khalid Hussain Magsi, Shahida Akhtar Ali, and Syed Hafeezuddin.
The presentation and subsequent discussions of Budget 2024-25 are crucial for setting the country’s economic agenda for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget outlines the government’s priorities, expected revenues, and expenditure plans, impacting various sectors and the overall economic health of the country.
The parliamentary debate provides an essential democratic platform where elected representatives can voice their constituencies’ concerns, suggest modifications, and hold the government accountable for its financial decisions. It also ensures transparency and allows for public scrutiny of the proposed financial policies.
While the current schedule lays out a clear plan for the budget session, it is essential to remain adaptable. The proposed dates and agenda can be modified based on unforeseen circumstances or emerging needs. The flexibility in the schedule ensures that the legislative process can respond to any new developments effectively.
