ISLAMABAD:National Assembly resumed its session here at the parliament house on Saturday with Presiding Officer Amjad Ali Khan in the chair.
The National Assembly is continuing discussion on the budget for next fiscal year. Participating in the debate, Abdul Qadir Patel said the growth figures presented by the government for different sectors of the economy are not based on facts.
He was critical of the government’s policies saying these have resulted in inflation and unemployment. Niaz Ahmad Jakhar said it is the first time that a tax free budget has been presented. He said utmost effort has been made in the budget to provide relief to the masses. He said it is also unprecedented that interest free loans will be given to the downtrodden segments of the society.
He said the government has put the economy on sound footing and the situation will further improve in the days to come. Khurram Dastagir said there is significant increase in the prices of essential commodities including flour, sugar, pulses and ghee under the present government. He said there will be further inflation as a result of the new budget.
Shehryar Khan Afridi said Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken the initiatives to protect the vulnerable segments of the society. He said the budget 2021-22 is for the common man. He said it envisages a proposal to impart technical training to the individuals of poor households. He said it is the present government which took on mafias in different sectors.
He said Pakistan today is open and the global perception about the country stands changed now. He said the economy is improving with Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessing historic trading. Mohsin Dawar said the minimum wage of twenty thousand rupees announced in the budget is not sufficient and this should be reviewed. He said promises made for the development of tribal districts should be fulfilled.
Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz appreciated the government’s finance team for presenting a pro people budget amidst the difficult situation posed by Covid-19. He said relief has been given to different sectors including the farmers and the industrialists in the budget. Nawabzada Iftakhar Ahmed Khan Babar demanded the government to establish a university in Muzafarrgarh district. He also called for enhancing allocations for the health and education sectors.
Shaheen Naz Saifullah said Prime Minister Imran Khan is an honest person who has raised a strong voice against corruption. She commended the steps being taken for the promotion of tourism. Sajid Mehdi said research should be promoted and subsidies be given to the farmers on fertilizers to bolster the agriculture productivity.