Both Houses of Parliament continued debate on Federal Budget for next fiscal year

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Islamabad, May 10 (TNS): Both the Houses of Parliament continued debate on the Federal Budget for the next fiscal year, state media reported on Thursday.

Participating in the budget debate, Qari Muhammad Yousaf said an interest free financial system should be enforced to take forward the country on the path of development. Shehryar Khan Afridi said that special emphasis should be laid on the development of FATA to address the grievances of tribal people.

Describing the budget pro rich, Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani said minimum wage should be enhanced keeping in view the price hike.

Retired Captain Safdar said the present government rid the country of terrorism and power shortages.

Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour described ten percent increase in salaries as meagre suggesting the government to enhance the salaries by at least twenty per cent. He said FATA should be merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the earliest.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai said the tribal people should be taken into confidence on FATA reforms. He said regional languages should be promoted besides enhancing allocations for health and education sectors.

Mian Abdul Manan appreciated budgetary proposals pertaining to reduction in sales tax on fertilizers as well as enhancement in agri loans.

Iftikhar Uddin said the present government has completed projects such as Golan Gol hydropower and Lowari Tunnel which were facing delays over the last many years.

Junaid Akbar Khan said it is responsibility of all the political parties to introduce internal democracy in their ranks and bring forward only talented and genuine leaders before the masses who could serve the country with dedication and honesty.

Nafeesa Shah said Pakistani companies should be given level playing field in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor project to reap the true benefits of the mega project.

Naseema Hafeez Panezi said steps need to be taken to address root causes of sectarianism and to promote religious harmony.

Dr Muhammad Azhar Khan Jadoon said new provinces should be carved out on administrative basis in order to ensure good governance.

Zahra Wadood Fatemi said the government has presented people, business and agriculture friendly budget.

Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Syed Khurshid Shah has called for convening a meeting of the political parties to discuss scarcity of water in the country. He was speaking in the National Assembly today.

The Opposition Leader also voiced concerns over the release of the accused in Benazir Bhutto murder case. He said the murder of Benazir Bhutto was a loss not only to PPP, but the entire country and the Muslim world.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab said Benazir Bhutto was a leader of international stature and we want justice done in the case.

The chair said a letter should be written to the judiciary to acquaint it about the concerns of the house on the proceedings of Benazir Bhutto murder case.

Law Minister Chaudhary Mahmood Bashir Virk also expressed concern over the release of the accused in Benazir Bhutto murder case.

Dr Fauzia Hameed said sales tax and other indirect taxes should be reduced in order to provide genuine relief to the common man.

Shakeela Luqman said the PML (N) government fulfilled all the promises made with the people before 2013 general elections.

Khalida Mansoor urged political parties to cooperation with the government for making Pakistan stronger instead of creating hurdles in the path of development through sit-ins and negative politics.

Sajid Nawaz termed the budget as political gimmick of the ruling party and has done nothing for the common people.

Tariq C Qaisar said development funds should also be directed towards projects concerning minorities.

Mehreen Razaq Bhutto said removal of Benazir Bhutto’s picture from BISP’s website. She said the government has overburdened by increasing indirect taxes on common people.

Shahjehan Mangrio said steps should be taken to provide water to farmers in Sindh.

Ali Muhammad Khan said no development work has been taken place in his constituency in last five years. He said the country will have to be run on the path of justice if we want to take Pakistan forward.

Those who also spoke on the occasion include Parveen Masood Bhatt, Asghar Ali Shah, Zaib Jaffer, Saleem Rehman, Pir Muhammad Aslam Bodla and Shahida Rehmani.

The House will now meet again tomorrow at 10:30 in the morning.

Courtesy: Radio Pakistan