By Abdul Ghani
Islamabad, October 24, 2025 — MNA Dr. Nafisa Shah, Convener of the Sub-Committee on “The Parliamentary Budget Office Bill, 2025” (Private Member’s Bill), presented the report of the Sub-Committee during the 19th meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, held at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Hon. Syed Naveed Qamar, MNA.
The Committee commended Dr. Nafisa Shah and the Sub-Committee for their extensive work and dedicated efforts in finalizing the report. The members unanimously praised her leadership and contributions, recognizing the importance of the proposed bill in strengthening parliamentary oversight over budgetary and fiscal matters. The Committee formally adopted the report; however, detailed deliberations were deferred to the next meeting for further consideration and final decision.
The Secretary, Ministry of Industries and Production, briefed the Committee on the National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–2030, highlighting its objectives, procedural framework, and incentives for manufacturers. While appreciating the initiative, members expressed concern that the policy seemed more manufacturer-centric than consumer-oriented. The Committee urged the Ministry to revisit the policy’s subsidy mechanism, vehicle registration procedures, and bank financing models to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accessibility for consumers.
In another key discussion, independent economic experts briefed the Committee on Pakistan’s Public Debt, providing a detailed analysis of its dynamics, challenges, and sustainability concerns. Members engaged actively, posing critical questions regarding debt management, external borrowing, and the role of international financial institutions. The Committee emphasized the need for coordinated fiscal and monetary reforms to ensure long-term economic stability.
The Committee also approved the minutes of its previous meeting. The session was attended by Rana Iradat Sharif Khan, Syed Sami Ul Hassan Gillani, Dr. Nafisa Shah, Ms. Zeb Jaffar, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Mr. Arshad Abdullah Vohra, Mr. Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, and Ms. Shahida Begum, MNAs. Senior officials from the Finance, Revenue, and Industries Divisions were also present.
