ISLAMABAD:The National Assembly on Thursday continued discussion on the budget for the year 2023-24. Participating in the debate, Khursheed Junejo said Pakistan is faced with the serious issue of climate change, but no significant amount has been allocated in the budget to deal with it. He said needful should be done to protect the agriculture sector from the impacts of climate change. He said we should also pay special attention to the construction of dams to enhance our water reservoir capacity.
Maulana Jamal Uddin commended the increase in the budget of Benazir Income Support Program and Bait-ul-Mal saying it is important to protect the poor segments of the society. He regretted that the welfare of tribal people has been ignored in the budget despite that the people of tribal districts have rendered immense sacrifices for Pakistan. Participating in the discussion, Sabir Hussain Kaim Khani said exports should be enhanced through necessary policy interventions. He said the defense budget should be enhanced keeping in view the allocations being made for the defense in our neighborhood.
Chaudhary Muhammad Ashraf said focus should be given to generating electricity from water resources. He said by strengthening agriculture sector, we can substantially enhance our exports. Speaking in the National Assembly, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said salaries to the government employees will be paid on the 23rd of this month ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. He said he has issued directions to the finance secretary after consultations with the Prime Minister on the matter. Responding to the points of the members, he said the finance team is present in the House and taking note of the recommendations being made by the members.
Participating in the debate, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanvir Hussain said the government is trying to provide maximum relief to the masses. He said it is the priority of the government to provide essential items at cheaper rates to the people. He said generous funding has been made in the budget for the education sector, despite financial constraints. Commenting on the economic situation in the country, Rana Tanvir Hussain called for taking tough decisions while taking the nation into confidence to ensure a sustainable economy instead of relying on loans.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Minister for Water Resources Syed Khursheed Shah assured that funds will be allocated for the timely completion of Greater Karachi Water Supply Scheme (K-IV). He said the project will not experience any delay and would be completed as quickly as possible. Shamim Ara Panhwar proposed that government should enhance funds for agriculture sector. He lauded the government efforts for enhancing the budget of Benazir Income Support Program.
Nuzhat Pathan termed the budget a balanced budget in current economic situation. She appreciated the government for exempting tax on second hand imported garments. Munawar Ali Talpur stressed that job opportunities should be created for the youth within the country to avoid brain drain. He said the markets should be closed by eight pm to ensure energy conservation. Kamal Uddin called for completion of Kachi-canal phase-II project saying it will immensely benefit the farmers and irrigate large swathes of land. Tahira Aurganzeb said it is the first time that an insurance scheme has been announced in the budget for the journalists and artists. She also commended the increase made in the salaries and pensions.
