The National Assembly reconvened on Monday after a two-day break to resume debate on the federal budget for fiscal year 2025–26.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is expected to formally conclude the budget debate later today, with a final vote scheduled for June 27.

The session, presided over by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, was marked by fiery speeches and intense confrontations between treasury and opposition members.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari delivered a wide-ranging speech, touching on the federal budget, regional security, and foreign policy — particularly condemning the recent US-led strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Addressing the assembly, Bilawal warned that any radiation leak from the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities could have affected not just Iran but also neighboring countries like Pakistan.

He harshly condemned Israel’s aggression, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “genocide” against Muslims and declared, “Iran’s sovereignty must be respected.”

Modi a ‘cheap copy of Netanyahu’

He drew parallels between Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to Modi as a “cheap copy” of Netanyahu and claiming victory against him on diplomatic, military, and narrative fronts.

“We took Pakistan’s message of peace to the world while their representatives failed,” Bilawal said. World leaders listened to our message of peace and praised Pakistan’s stance. He added.

Bilawal also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements under the current government, noting that Field Marshal Asim Munir was recently hosted at the White House by President Donald Trump — a move Bilawal hailed as a testament to Pakistan’s growing global stature.

Bilawal said that Pakistan had effectively “won the war” by downing six enemy fighter jets during past conflicts, but stressed that true and lasting peace in the region remains out of reach until root issues are resolved.

“We agreed to a ceasefire, but without permanent peace, regional tensions will persist,” he stated, adding that Pakistan had raised three key points, including the Kashmir dispute, before the international community.

Bilawal sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of committing genocide against Muslims.

He condemned Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and now Iran, calling the strike on Iranian nuclear sites “a blatant violation of international law based on fabricated claims.”

“Iran’s sovereignty must not be challenged. The attack was grounded in lies and is a serious breach of global legal norms,” Bilawal warned.

PPP backs budget, demands focus on farmers and relief

On domestic issues, Bilawal praised the government’s economic policies, officially announcing PPP’s support for the 2025–26 budget.

He welcomed the increase in defence spending by 20% and applauded the 20% hike in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), but criticised the impact of IMF-driven agricultural tax hikes on farmers.

“Pakistani farmers, especially in Sindh, have suffered losses worth Rs622 billion. This government must declare an agricultural emergency,” he demanded.

He also commended the reduction in sales tax on solar panels and called for equitable resource allocation for conflict-hit provinces like KP and Balochistan.

Bilawal launched a scathing attack on the previous government’s handling of the Kashmir issue, recalling the former prime minister’s passive response during a critical moment.

“When India attacked Kashmir, the then prime minister asked, ‘What should I do? Start a war?’ Their response was to rename a road and hold Friday protests,” Bilawal said.

In contrast, he emphasized that the current government took decisive military action, shooting down Indian aircraft and forcing a retreat.

“We defended Pakistan’s dignity and narrative on global platforms — that is our victory,” he declared.

Bilawal further claimed that under the previous administration, Kashmir was effectively downgraded to a “domestic issue” in international perception.

“Today, the world once again acknowledges that Kashmir is an international dispute. We achieved this through peace, courage, and diplomacy,” he asserted.

India warned on Indus Waters Treaty

Turning to water security, Bilawal issued a stern warning to India over any potential violation of the Indus Waters Treaty.

“If India tries to revoke the treaty or block our water, Pakistan will have to go to war,” he cautioned.

He reminded the house that the Indus Waters Treaty is grounded in international law and its unilateral revocation would be illegal.

“India has two choices: respect the treaty or face the consequences. We will not allow dams to be built on our rivers if the treaty is breached,” he said, reaffirming a hardline stance on regional water rights.

Bilawal also sharply criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging that some of the very voices now “shouting in parliament” had in the past received funding from India.

The remark triggered a storm of protest from PTI lawmakers, leading to loud disruptions in the National Assembly.

Bilawal remained defiant amid the uproar, stating that India has repeatedly attempted to undermine Pakistan on multiple fronts — through terrorism, propaganda, and diplomatic sabotage. However, he asserted that India had failed at every level.

“Whether it’s their use of terrorism for political aims or efforts to isolate Pakistan globally, India has failed. Pakistan has emerged stronger on every international platform — even at the United Nations, we defeated India,” Bilawal claimed.

Tempers flare in the House

Bilawal’s remarks triggered a noisy backlash from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members, leading to chaotic scenes.

A verbal spat between PPP and PTI members escalated into near physical altercations, with PTI’s Iqbal Afridi and PML-N’s Hanif Abbasi reportedly involved in a scuffle.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq intervened, urging calm and asking PPP lawmakers to allow PTI’s Omar Ayub to speak.

However, PPP members refused, citing disruptions during Bilawal’s address.

“This House cannot be run by threats,” Speaker Sadiq told Iqbal Afridi, as security was called in to maintain order.

Umar Ayub blasts budget, warns of crisis

Opposition Leader Umar Ayub launched a blistering attack on the government, accusing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of indifference to the economic crisis and alleging extravagant behaviour during national emergencies.

“While the country suffered, the PM was busy swimming for four days,” Ayub claimed.

He forecast a post-budget inflation wave, criticised the failure to procure wheat from farmers, and condemned the rising sugar prices.

Ayub also alleged large-scale corruption, referencing the Ukraine wheat scandal and accusing the Sindh government of misusing canal construction funds.

PTI leaders question government legitimacy

PTI leader Asad Qaiser accused Bilawal of falsehoods in parliament, challenging the legitimacy of the government formed “on the basis of Form 47.”

He vowed that the opposition would not stay silent and would continue to fight for the rights of the people at every forum.