Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said that concerns of all allies, including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on budgetary proposals will be addressed to resolve issues amicably.

Addressing the National Assembly, Dar spoke about key budget issues, aiming to ease tensions among coalition partners.

He assured the house that several concerns had been resolved through consultation and consensus, including the contentious digital tax.

Dar confirmed that taxation on services will remain under provincial jurisdiction, following discussions with all stakeholders.

Responding to public criticism, he announced a revision in the proposed 18% sales tax on solar panels, lowering it to 10% to reduce the burden on consumers.

He also revealed that a committee for promoting a cashless economy and digitalization has been established, highlighting the government’s broader fiscal reforms.

In a relief for government employees, Dar stated that the proposed salary increase has been raised from 6% to 10%.

He also addressed Sindh’s concerns regarding development funding, noting that the university budget under the PSDP was increased from Rs2.6 billion to Rs4.7 billion following input at the APCC.

Regarding the dissolution of the Public Works Department (PWD), Dar said its projects had initially been handed over to provinces.

However, in response to Sindh’s reservations, the prime minister has decided to implement these projects under the federal umbrella of PIDCL (Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited), which will operate nationwide and supervise all new development projects.

“Now is the time for national consensus, dialogue, and collective effort to steer Pakistan toward economic stability,” Dar emphasized.

In a separate address to the Senate, Dar strongly condemned Israel’s air strike on Iran, terming it a “blatant violation of international law.”

He warned that escalation between Iran and Israel poses a serious threat not just to the region but to global peace and stability. He urged a peaceful resolution under the UN Charter, stressing that war must be avoided at all costs.

Highlighting the collective stance of the Muslim world, he said there was a unanimous call for an immediate ceasefire, and for upholding Iran’s territorial integrity and working toward a nuclear weapons-free Middle East.

Muslim nations, he added, are united in their commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Dar concluded by affirming Pakistan’s support for regional de-escalation, stating that the Muslim world stands together in efforts to preserve peace through diplomacy and mutual respect.