Pakistan budget must focus on people, not just numbers, Parliamentary Forum says  

parliamentary discussion on the federal budget warned that Pakistan cannot achieve long term economic stability

Islamabad: A parliamentary discussion on the federal budget warned that Pakistan cannot achieve long term economic stability only through financial control and revenue targets unless the government gives stronger priority to education, healthcare, social protection, climate resilience and human development.

The most important concern raised in the discussion was that Pakistan’s budget must not ignore people while focusing on numbers. Participants said economic stability is important, but it will not last if children remain out of school, hospitals remain under pressure, poor families remain unsupported and climate disasters continue to damage lives, crops and infrastructure.

The discussion was organized under the convenorship of Member National Assembly Shaista Pervaiz and focused on reviewing the federal budget through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals, also known as SDGs.

Members of Parliament, policy experts and development practitioners attended the session. Lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches took part in the discussion, showing that human development and sustainable development are national issues beyond party politics.

Participants said the budget is not only a financial document. They said it also shows the country’s priorities and future direction. If public money is not spent on people’s basic needs, the country’s development will remain weak.

The forum noted that Pakistan’s population is growing rapidly and may reach nearly 400 million by 2050. Participants warned that if this population growth is not matched with better schools, hospitals, jobs, housing and public services, the pressure on the state will become much harder to manage.

The discussion highlighted that overcrowded classrooms, weak healthcare facilities, poor housing, water insecurity and limited employment opportunities are already serious problems in the country. Members said these challenges need long term planning and targeted investment.

Participants said education must be treated as a national priority because a strong economy needs skilled and educated citizens. They said quality education can help young people find better jobs, support families and contribute to the national economy.

Healthcare was also described as a major area needing more attention. Participants said investment in health is not a burden on the economy but a way to protect people and increase productivity.

The discussion especially stressed the need for better maternal and reproductive health services. Members said improving healthcare for women and mothers can save lives, reduce poverty and improve the future of families.

Girls’ education was also identified as one of the most important tools for national progress. Participants said when girls are educated, families become healthier, incomes improve and communities become stronger.

The forum also discussed the importance of community level service delivery. Members said public services must reach people at the local level because many citizens, especially in poor and remote areas, cannot benefit from policies that remain limited to offices and documents.

Climate resilience was another major focus of the discussion. Participants said Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change, even though it contributes very little to global emissions.

Members said floods, droughts, heatwaves and changing weather patterns are damaging livelihoods, agriculture, infrastructure and public health. They said the budget must include stronger spending on climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, water management and resilient infrastructure.

The discussion also referred to Pakistan’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals. Participants said the country must align its budget with goals related to good health, quality education, reduced inequalities and climate action.

They said SDG 3 on good health and well being, SDG 4 on quality education, SDG 10 on reduced inequalities and SDG 13 on climate action need serious and sustained public investment.

Participants made it clear that spending on education, health and climate resilience should not be seen as separate from fiscal responsibility. They said countries that invest in people usually achieve stronger economies, better social stability and more sustainable public finances.

The forum concluded that Pakistan’s future depends on whether budget decisions are linked with the real needs of the people. Members said the federal budget should support inclusive growth, reduce inequality and improve the quality of life for both present and future generations.

The Parliamentary SDGs Taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to supporting evidence based parliamentary dialogue on sustainable development. It also stressed the need for stronger legislative engagement to help Pakistan move closer to its Sustainable Development Goal commitments.

Participants agreed that Pakistan must place human development at the centre of budget planning. They said real national progress will come when every child can study, every citizen can access healthcare, every family has better protection and every community is prepared for climate challenges.