ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader and former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Friday termed the seven percent increase in salaries of government employees as insufficient and called for an increase of at least 10 percent in view of the rising cost of living.
Participating in the budget debate in the National Assembly, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said members of parliament and the people of Pakistan had rightly celebrated the country’s diplomatic achievements, particularly its role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
He said Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, worked with wisdom, patience and coordination to advance diplomatic efforts.
He said Pakistan had demonstrated to the world that it was a peace-loving country capable of playing a key role in maintaining international peace.
Regarding the federal budget, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said every government sought to present a budget aimed at providing relief to the public and improving living standards. He said that under the current circumstances it is not possible to fulfill all public expectations.
However, he added that Pakistan’s economy continued to face pressure from global and regional developments, including the war in Ukraine and security challenges in the region.
He emphasized the importance of constructive opposition, saying criticism should be accompanied by practical suggestions and alternatives.
The PPP leader further said that expenditures are far greater than revenues, and that all stakeholders will need to work together to increase the country's resources and revenue base.