MQM-P’s Sabheen Ghoury Slams Budget 2025–26 as Anti-People, Demands Equity for Karachi, Women, and IT Sector

Islamabad (Nadeem Tanoli) Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) MNA Sabheen Ghoury delivered a searing critique of the proposed Budget 2025–26 in the National Assembly, calling it more of an IMF blueprint than a people-friendly financial plan. She lamented that the budget offers no meaningful relief to Pakistan’s struggling majority and strongly criticized the government’s neglect of Karachi, women, the IT sector, and national development priorities.

Ghoury opened her remarks by pointing out that Pakistan’s 98% population, crushed under inflation, was expecting relief—but instead received “a budget tailored for the IMF.” Addressing climate change as a pressing issue, she questioned why, despite repeated claims and significant allocations over the past decade, the government still lacks a clear and effective environmental response.

On the information technology front, Ghoury highlighted record-breaking IT exports of $2.4 billion. However, she condemned the government’s abrupt decision to impose taxes on Wi-Fi and broadband services, stating that the sector is still in its infancy. “Rather than stabilizing it, we burdened it with taxes,” she said, warning that current tax policies could nullify the progress made by recent IT and e-commerce incentives.

Criticizing the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), she pointed out the glaring absence of development projects or schemes targeting women, who make up 51% of the population. “Last year the Prime Minister and Deputy PM committed development funds for women parliamentarians. This year again, not a single rupee has been allocated for women. We deserve the same privileges as our male counterparts,” she said.

She also strongly opposed recent pension reforms, questioning the logic behind cutting widow pensions after 10 years. “How can a woman at 72 or 75 be left without income after her spouse’s death?” she asked, labeling it an inhumane policy that punishes the elderly and vulnerable.

Speaking on water security and India’s weaponization of water, Ghauri stated that post-Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, water infrastructure projects like dams should have been the top budget priority. “They were mentioned, but there’s no real commitment in allocations,” she said.

Ghoury also raised alarm over the K-IV water project for Karachi, which has been stalled for nearly two decades. “Only 3.2% of the required Rs. 102 billion has been allocated. At this pace, even ten more years won’t complete it,” she warned.

Touching on education, she welcomed the launch of 11 Danish schools but questioned why none were allocated for Karachi—home to Asia’s largest slum, Orangi Town. “Karachi seems excluded from every government priority—be it roads, electricity, education, or basic infrastructure,” she asserted.

She ended her speech with a sharp warning: “You expect Karachiites to keep paying taxes while you starve the city of basic services? A time will come when their patience will run out.” Ghoury also cautioned against ignoring MQM-P’s legitimate demands, adding, “If Karachi is made a scapegoat again, the protests will echo across the country.”

Concluding her remarks with patriotic verses, she reminded the government of the promises made to the nation and urged that justice, equity, and inclusion must shape fiscal policy—before the budget is passed.