Budgets passed, commoners neglected
Budgets shaped by revenue goals and elite interests fail to address rising public distress D espite receiving the stamp of approval from elected representatives, the national and provincial budgets for the fiscal year 2025–26 — cleared after rounds of presentations, debates, and motions in the assemblies — offer little by way of inspiration or impact for the general public. Once again, they fall short of making even modest commitments to providing immediate relief or targeted investments aimed at reducing poverty, bridging inequality, or significantly improving essential public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Instead, these budgets appear to be well-calibrated documents shaped more by revenue targets, bureaucratic obligations, and the priorities of industrialists and market forces. In contrast, the deteriorating living conditions of ordinary citizens continue to receive minimal attention, and without urgent and meaningful fiscal support, millions will rema...