Islamabad, June 11, 2025: The operational budget of the National Assembly is set to rise steeply, with government estimates placing the figure at more than Rs16.29 billion for the financial year ending June 2026.
As outlined in the latest federal budget documents, the operational expenditure for the legislative body has seen a dramatic increase over the past two years. In the fiscal year 2023-24, actual spending was reported at Rs6.95 billion. That figure is projected to more than double by 2025-26.
The budgeted amount includes Rs6.85 billion in constitutionally mandated “charged” expenditures, while Rs9.43 billion falls under “voted” allocations requiring parliamentary approval.
These funds are earmarked to support a wide range of activities, including lawmaker salaries, benefits, institutional running costs, and various legislative operations—categorized under Executive and Legislative Organs, Financial and External Affairs.
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In the preceding fiscal year, the revised allocation had already climbed to Rs12.73 billion, underscoring the steady upward trend. Officials familiar with the matter link the continued rise to factors such as inflation, expanded legislative duties, heightened security measures, and broader administrative commitments.
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The surge in costs has raised questions at a time when the government is under increasing pressure to rein in public spending. Observers from civil society and economic oversight bodies have voiced concern over whether such budgetary expansions align with the country’s current financial limitations and calls for austerity.
