ISLAMABAD:The National Assembly resumed its session here at the Parliament House on Tuesday with Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf in the chair.

Participating in the general debate on Budget 2022-23, Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali of Jamaat-e-Islami said this budget is based on interest, which is contrary to the injunctions of Islam. He said mosques and seminaries should be exempted from federal taxes.

Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali said that sufficient funds have not been set aside in the 9000 billion rupees’ budget to provide relief to the poor, except a meager amount under Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and Bait-ul-Mal programmes. Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Salahuddin commended the government for providing a relief of 2,000 rupees to the poor on buying petroleum products and a subsidy on wheat flour.

Appreciating the relief measures of the government like the provision of 2,000 rupees on buying petrol for deserving families and subsidy on wheat flour, PPP leader Rafique Ahmed Jamali said higher diesel prices have increased the difficulties of farmers in cultivating their crops that need immediate attention.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Mian Javed Latif said we should focus on taking the country forward on the path of development and progress instead of falling prey to the blame game. The House will now meet tomorrow (Wednesday) at 11:00 a.m.