By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: Senior Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan leader and rights-focused senator Nasreen Jalil has taken a firm stance ahead of the 2025/2026 budget, urging Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to prioritise the welfare of salaried and middle-income groups by reducing their tax burden.
In a detailed letter addressed to the prime minister, Jalil stressed the urgent need for economic policies that do not merely reflect numbers on paper but genuinely uplift the grassroots level of society. Jalil’s letter underscores a critical perspective on Pakistan’s economic growth, highlighting that true progress remains elusive unless it translates into tangible benefits for the majority of citizens.
The MQM-P leader argues that meaningful reform and innovation in economic policy are essential to address the long-standing inequalities that have left vast segments of the population struggling for basic necessities. Drawing attention to the country’s deep-rooted socio-economic disparities, Jalil pointed out that over the past seventy years, roughly only two percent of the privileged class have reaped the rewards of economic development.
Meanwhile, the majority of Pakistanis continue to live below the poverty line, a stark reality that undermines efforts to build a strong and stable nation. The senator urged the prime minister to use the upcoming budget as a vehicle for change, one that genuinely reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people. She called for the government to take a proactive role in reducing deprivation and fostering inclusive growth, emphasizing that ninety-five percent of the population—those who face economic hardship—deserve meaningful attention in fiscal planning.
Nasreen Jalil’s appeal to the government is a reminder of the persistent challenges Pakistan faces in bridging economic divides. Her call for a people-centric budget reflects the growing demand for policies that promote fairness, social justice, and the broad-based prosperity necessary for the country’s sustainable future.
