ISLAMABAD: Both the Houses in separate resolutions have condemned the inhuman and cowardly acts of terrorism in Balochistan.
National Assembly on Sunday continued debate on the budgetary proposals for the next financial year.
Taking part in the debate‚ Maulana Muhammad Sherani said that the tax net and rate have been increased which will directly affect the consumers.
Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government has taken some difficult steps to improve the economy of the country.
He said the previous government used forty-seven billion rupees of discretionary fund which has been abolished in the next budget. He said the amount saved will be utilized for different uplift programmes. He said the government has launched Housing Schemes for the low income segments besides training programmes for master degree holder youths.
Raja Aamer Zaman of PTI welcomed the government’s initiative of launching Youth Uplift Schemes and said that the base of these schemes must be broadened. He said ten percent increase in the salaries of the government employees is worth appreciation but he proposed that the increase should be fifteen to twenty percent.
Akram Khan Durrani of JUI-F welcomed the abolition of secret funds by the government. He said secret funds of Political Agents of the tribal areas must also be abolished. He also proposed that the salaries of the government employees be further increased by five to ten percent.
Amir Haider Khan Hoti of ANP appreciated the steps taken by the government including formation National Party government in Balochistan and PTI in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. He said decision to end circular debts in sixty days is also worth admiration.
Muhammad Ayaz Soomro of PPP described the budget as anti-poor. He said tax has been imposed on all the essential commodities in the next budget that will create great problems for the masses. Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari of PML-N said the government has introduced number of austerity measures to strengthen the economy.
The House passed a unanimous resolution condemning the inhuman and cowardly acts of terrorism in Balochistan. The resolution moved by Law Minister Zahid Hamid stated that the whole nation is shocked over the attack on the residence of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah which was a symbol of legacy.
The resolution expressing heartfelt condolences to all the victims of the attacks prayed for the departed souls and early recovery of the injured. The House also condemned the kidnapping of five doctors in Loralai on Friday last.
Through the resolution the House extended complete support to the government of Balochistan for its efforts to maintain peace in the province to address the grievances of the masses.
Meanwhile‚ the Senate also resumed debate on the new federal budget today (Sunday).
Taking part in the debate‚ Farhatullah Babar said PML-N needs to give a conceptual framework for strengthening the economy. He said without curbing militancy and terrorism economic growth and investment is impossible. He termed yesterday’s attacks on Quaid-e-Azam residency in Ziarat and on female students in Quetta as attacks on the past and future of Pakistan.
Talking about energy crisis‚ he said the PPP will cooperate with the government to address the issue.
On a point of order by Mian Raza Rabbani‚ Leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq said Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan is in Balochistan to have first hand information about the yesterday’s attacks.
He said on his return‚ the Minister will take the House into confidence on government’s measures to restore peace in Balochistan.
Hidayatullah demanded to restore tax immunity for FATA and release of seven to eight billion rupees for reconstruction of schools destroyed by the militants in the area.
Saeedul Hassan Mandokhel said one percent increase in GST will affect the poor people. He urged the Finance Minister to pay attention to Afghan Transit Trade to boost revenue collection instead of increasing GST.
Malik Muhammad Rafiq Rajwana appreciated the positive initiatives taken by the PML-N government to provide relief to the common man.
Abbas Khan Afridi criticized government’s steps to eliminate tax immunity for the FATA people. He urged the government to allocate funds for rehabilitation of IDPs of FATA.
M Hamza appreciated the government’s initiatives to get rid of circular debt. He stressed the need for checking line losses and recovery of electricity bills.
The Senate unanimously adopted a resolution moved by Senator Nuzhat Sadiq of PML-N condemning the Quetta and Ziarat attacks and killing of female students.
The House will now meet tomorrow (Monday) at 4 pm.
