ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved an additional Rs. 10 million (Rs. 1 crore) to cover the cost of tea, working lunches, and dinners for lawmakers during the ongoing budget session of Parliament.
The approval was granted by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) through a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) for the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
According to official sources, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs informed the ECC that it is responsible for managing parliamentary business, including budget proceedings in both the National Assembly and Senate. The ministry highlighted that annual budget sessions are a critical constitutional requirement and often involve extended sittings that continue beyond normal working hours.
The ministry explained that expenses related to providing meals and refreshments to parliamentarians at Parliament House during the budget session could not be accommodated within the existing allocation under the “Entertainment and Gifts” budget head.
Officials stated that the expenditure was unavoidable because the Finance Bill must be approved within constitutionally mandated deadlines. As a result, the ministry sought an additional allocation of Rs. 10 million through a Technical Supplementary Grant.
The Finance Division supported the proposal, following which the ECC approved the funding under Demand No. 81 of the Parliamentary Affairs Division for the fiscal year 2025-26.
The decision comes amid ongoing discussions over government spending and budget management as Parliament debates key fiscal measures for the upcoming financial year.
