Pakistan, June 21 -- The National Assembly approved 89 demands for grants worth Rs40.48 trillion through a majority vote, clearing a major stage of the federal budget process and authorising funding for 29 ministries, divisions, and government institutions. The session was chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, while Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the allocations before the House.

A significant share of the approved funding went to the defence sector, with more than Rs30.67 trillion allocated through five grants for defence and related expenditures. Lawmakers also approved over Rs2.11 billion for defence production and Rs17 billion for additional defence-related requirements, highlighting the government's focus on national ...