Budget sessions delayed as President summons NA, Senate on June 5

The National Assembly session will begin at 5pm, while the Senate session is scheduled for 6pm on the same day. Both houses will meet in Islamabad after a delay linked to lawmakers returning from Hajj.

A statement issued by the President House confirmed the revised schedule for the important budget meetings.

Earlier, the government was expected to call the sessions on June 1. However, the plan was postponed because more than 60 lawmakers travelled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

Officials said the lawmakers are likely to return in the first week of June. This situation forced the government to adjust its budget timetable.

Reports also suggested the schedule could face another change if possible Iran-US talks are held in Islamabad during the same period. The government is closely monitoring the diplomatic developments before finalising all arrangements.

According to reports, the government wants to complete budget discussions and pass the finance proposals by June 24. Under the Constitution, the budget must be approved before June 30 so it can take effect from July 1.

Meanwhile, the government has prepared three different proposals for increasing salaries and pensions of government employees and retired workers. The proposed ad hoc increases include 5%, 7.5%, and 10%.

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The Ministry of Finance’s Regulation Wing reportedly prepared the proposals after reviewing inflation trends. Officials believe the average inflation rate for the outgoing fiscal year may stay around 7.5%.

Another major development is the possible launch of the Defined Contributory Pension (DCP) system for armed forces personnel from the upcoming budget. The finance minister is expected to formally announce the move during the budget speech.

The contributory pension system for newly recruited civilian employees was already introduced in the previous budget. The government now appears ready to expand the system further.

Separately, coalition ally Pakistan People’s Party has demanded a 20% increase in salaries and pensions for government employees in the new fiscal year. The demand has increased public interest ahead of the budget announcement.

The delayed sessions, possible salary hikes, and pension reforms have made this year’s budget highly important for millions of Pakistanis. Many government employees and pensioners are now waiting to see which relief package the government finally approves.

The government is trying to balance economic pressure with public expectations before the new fiscal year. Salary and pension decisions may become one of the biggest talking points of the upcoming budget.