Islamabad: Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani, has emphasized the government's commitment to the welfare and development of tribal districts. Addressing a Calling Attention Notice in the Senate, he also acknowledged the sacrifices made by security forces in establishing peace in these regions.

According to Radio Pakistan, Bilal Azhar Kayani discussed the government's decision to withdraw tax exemptions for the merged districts, explaining that a reduced sales tax rate was introduced following extensive consultations last year. He noted that the tax exemption had been exploited by certain groups, necessitating the change.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary addressed concerns from various Senators by affirming the Supreme Court of Pakistan's verdict concerning the health of the PTI founding chairman would be upheld. He criticized past derogatory remarks directed at the judiciary, reiterating the court's role in delivering justice. The ongoing cases involving the PTI founding chairman remain under the judiciary's purview.

PTI Senators expressed approval of the Supreme Court's ruling to transfer the party's founding chairman to Shifa Hospital. In legislative developments, the Senate passed three bills: The Standard Time (Interpretation of References) Amendment Bill, 2026, The Civil Servants Amendment Bill, 2026, and the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage Lok Virsa Amendment Bill, 2026. The session was adjourned and will reconvene on Thursday at four in the afternoon.