Islamabad: The Senate has adopted the recommendations of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue regarding the Finance Bill 2026. A motion to this effect was moved by Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, Saleem Mandviwalla.

According to Radio Pakistan, Saleem Mandviwalla highlighted that the Finance Bill 2026 incorporates several reforms, and the committee's recommendations aim to improve their fairness, effectiveness, and public acceptance. He stated that a total of one hundred and twenty-three recommendations have been prepared by the Senate for the National Assembly. The committee has advised increasing salaries by at least 15 percent, expanding the tax base, and avoiding new taxes on essential commodities. Additionally, it proposed reducing taxes on fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural machinery to support the farming sector.

Speaking in the Senate, Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan addressed Pakistan's concerns over India's weaponization of water. He mentioned that India is constructing five dams on the Chenab River, expected to be completed in the next four to five years. Once completed, these projects could allow India to halt the river's flow for sixty to ninety days. Rana Sanaullah suggested that Pakistan could counter this by building water reservoirs at three to four sites on the Chenab River. These reservoirs would enable Pakistan to store water during excess flows from India and utilize it when the river's flow is restricted.