ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday said that it is the responsibility of the government to present the budget.
Addressing the National Assembly before the government presented the last budget, the prime minister said the budget was being passed so that the government mechanism could continue working.
He was responding to points raised by Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Khurshid Shah and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi that the government does not have right to present the budget for the entire year.
He expressed hoped and said it will be the PML-N government even after four months. However, he said the budget will ease problems for the next incoming government.
PM Abbasi also criticised the protesting opposition and said they will have the authority to make any amendments if they form the next government.
“If unfortunately, your government comes in, then you will have the right to change the budget,” he said taking a direct quip at the opposition saying he will be looking forward to the amendments they will be making if coming to power.
He said the budget was constitutional and those who worked hard with dedication have the right to present it as well. He said that Miftah Ismail led the budget preparation and will instead present it, while Minister for State Rana Afzal only assisted in making the budget.
He said that relief that was provided in the budget was unprecedented in any other government, urging the opposition to show patience and restraint during the budget hearing.
