A resolution to convert the National Assembly hall into a chamber for the National Security Committee briefing has been approved, presented by Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.

Meanwhile, conflicting reports regarding salary increases for government employees emerged during the assembly session.

The Ministry of Finance has denied reports claiming that a salary increase for government employees is not under consideration in the upcoming budget.

In a clarification, the ministry stated that the finance minister made no such announcement and that such reports are not based on facts.

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The ministry reiterated that no discussion has taken place regarding employee salaries, only that a pay raise is currently not under consideration.

During the National Assembly’s question hour, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb briefed lawmakers on the government’s measures regarding remittances.

He stated that strict crackdowns were conducted against hawala, hundi, and illegal financial transactions. Similar actions were taken during the caretaker government in 2023, and the current administration, in collaboration with the State Bank, has further strengthened these policies.

According to the finance minister, the State Bank of Pakistan has increased capital requirements for exchange companies to ensure only credible firms operate.

Additionally, ten banks have been instructed to establish exchange counters. As a result of these measures, illegal hawala and hundi activities have significantly declined, and remittances are now flowing through formal banking channels.

He further revealed that overseas Pakistani remittances stood at $30.02 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year and have risen to approximately $35-36 billion in the first nine months of the current fiscal year.

The minister attributed this increase to the government’s policies and regulatory measures.

During the session, the finance minister also addressed concerns about government salaries and pensions.

He clarified that there is no proposal to increase salaries, allowances, or revise pay scales in the upcoming budget. However, adjustments in hiring and ceiling limits for employees remain under discussion.

He further disclosed that Pakistan repaid $11.47 billion in foreign loans during the fiscal year 2024.

According to finance ministry documents, as of June 2023, the country’s external debt and liabilities stood at $126.14 billion, accounting for 43.03% of the GDP.

Trade deficit details and sugar imports from India

The Ministry of Commerce also presented a five-year trade deficit report, revealing that Pakistan incurred a trade deficit of $154 billion during this period.

Over these five years, the country’s exports stood at $136 billion, while imports amounted to $291 billion. The primary reason for the widening deficit was attributed to economic growth.

During the session, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal disclosed that Pakistan imported 50,000 tons of sugar from India.

He further stated that between March 2024 and January 2025, a total of 3,140 metric tons of sugar was imported, costing over $3 million.

Pakistan also sourced sugar from several countries, including Thailand, the UAE, the U.S., the UK, Denmark, France, Switzerland, and South Korea.