The National Assembly (NA) resumed its session at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Monday with Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah in the chair. The House is continuing discussion on the budget for the next fiscal year. Participating in the discussion, Shahida Rehmani said the budget envisages no measures for women empowerment. Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur said agriculture is greatly supporting the economic growth rate. He opposed the imposition of taxes on agriculture inputs including tractors, fertilizers and pesticides. Muhammad Iqbal Khan said the true potential of blue economy should be explored to take the country forward. He emphasized that the fishermen should be equipped with the latest tools and equipment as well as training. Sheikh Aftab Ahmed said government will get the budget passed with consensus. 

He said the PML-N has rendered sacrifices for democracy.  He called for collective efforts to steer the country in the right direction. Muhammad Usman Badini said the resolution of the country’s problems lies in abolishing the interest based financial system. He said special efforts should be made for the development of Balochistan province. Abdul Qadir Gillani demanded the creation of South Punjab. He said South Punjab should be given its share in development. Sehar Kamran was of the view that the revenue collection target set in the budget for the next fiscal year is not realistic. Waqas Akram criticized the taxation measures in the budget. He also regretted the mob lynching incident in Swat. Ghulam Muhammad proposed the establishment of a fund within the National Assembly for provision of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan