ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Syed Shibli Faraz, opened budget debate on Friday with a stark focus on current economic challenges, calling for urgent measures by the gov-ernment in several vital areas.
Shibli Faraz highlighted the circular debt in the power sector, noting that it continues to burden the country’s economy. He called for implementing structural reforms besides ensuring regular tariff ad-justments in order to avert financial shortfalls and improve utility services.
The opposition leader, said that, “more funds should have also been allocated for dam construction in the Budget.” He emphasized the role of new reservoirs in enhancing water security, boosting agricul-tural output, and supporting long-term economic growth, particularly in water-stressed regions.
On tax reforms, Shibli Faraz voiced for a balanced approach that safeguards taxpayers’ rights.
To combat these challenges, Shibli Faraz recommended the government’s prioritized job creation, par-ticularly for youth and rural populations. He called for adopting targeted public-private partnership ini-tiatives and vocational training programs to spur employment and promote inclusive growth. –Agencies
