Budget day marked by protests, shouting and last-minute deals

ISLAMABAD: Budget day in Pakistan’s Parliament is typically politically charged, but this year’s session unfolded with heightened drama, as coalition strains, opposition protests and last-minute negotiations shaped the atmosphere even before Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb began presenting the federal budget.

The day began with a special federal cabinet meeting held at Parliament House, which ran longer than scheduled and concluded between 3:30pm and 4pm, according to sources.

The cabinet reviewed budget proposals, ministry-wise allocations and fiscal priorities before formally approving the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27, clearing the way for its presentation in the National Assembly.

PPP protest and coalition strain

Tensions emerged within the ruling coalition as the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) voiced strong reservations, particularly over water-related issues in Sindh. Earlier in the day, PPP leaders were said to have considered boycotting the budget session.

Several PPP lawmakers arrived at Parliament House carrying placards and staging a protest, raising slogans for Sindh’s water rights. At one point, PPP MNA Ejaz Jakhrani asked some colleagues to leave the assembly premises, reiterating the party’s stance on a potential boycott.

For a brief period, uncertainty grew over whether the coalition partner would participate in the proceedings.

However, behind-the-scenes efforts helped defuse the situation. Sources said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi engaged with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, after which the deadlock eased. Bilawal later entered the National Assembly, followed by PPP lawmakers, ending the boycott threat.

Opposition protests disrupt proceedings

When the National Assembly session finally began, the House was already tense and fully packed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended alongside senior cabinet members.

As Finance Minister Aurangzeb rose to present the budget, opposition lawmakers backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) began chanting slogans in support of former prime minister Imran Khan and demanded his release. Treasury and opposition members exchanged slogans amid continuous disruption.

Despite the noise, Aurangzeb proceeded with his speech, outlining the government’s economic roadmap, taxation measures and fiscal priorities.

Heated exchanges in the House

A rare moment of calm briefly emerged when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif crossed the aisle and shook hands with Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, though tensions soon returned.

The most intense scenes came when opposition lawmakers moved closer to the Speaker’s dais. PTI-backed MNA Shahid Khattak tore copies of the budget documents and threw them in the air in protest.

This triggered a physical altercation between PML-N lawmaker Badr Talal and Shahid Khattak, leading to pushing and shoving on the floor of the House. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry later intervened to separate the members and prevent further escalation.

Budget presented amid chaos

Throughout the commotion, Finance Minister Aurangzeb continued presenting the budget, detailing revenue measures, spending plans and development priorities for the coming fiscal year.

Despite hours of disruptions, the federal budget was formally presented before Parliament.

Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq later announced that, unlike routine proceedings, the budget session would continue over the weekend, including Saturday and Sunday, to allow detailed debate on the proposals. The House was then adjourned until 11am Saturday.

As lawmakers exited the chamber, it was clear the day had gone far beyond fiscal numbers and policy documents. Coalition friction, opposition resistance and parliamentary theatrics dominated proceedings, making Budget Day 2026 one of the most eventful sessions in recent memory.