ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that there is no shortage of sugar in the country despite its export. Speaking at the Floor of the House, Minister for Commerce Naveed Qamar said we have exported 170 million metric tons of sugar to Afghanistan, Central Asian States and other countries and we have the capacity for its further export.

Minister of State for Finance Aisha Ghaus Pasha regretted that the previous government did not fulfill the understanding and commitments, reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She was confident that the staff level agreement would be reached with the international lender. The Minister of State pointed out that Pakistan had already met the prior actions and now the IMF wanted us to fulfill the external funding requirements before the release of the next tranche.

She informed the House that China had recently rolled over a loan while there was also progress for securing support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. On a point raised by a member, the Chair asked the Standing Committee on Finance to seek reports from all the departments regarding the implementation of minimum wage of twenty-five thousand rupees. The National Assembly also passed the Kalam Bibi International Women Institute, Bannu bill, 2023. It was moved by Parliamentary Secretary for Education Zeb Jaffer. Minister of State for Law Shahadat Awan laid before the House the National Accountability Amendment Bill 2023.

Minister for Religious Affairs Mufti Abdul Shakoor expressed his disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision in the election related case. He said the Chief Justice of Pakistan should also respect other institutions. Minister for Information Technology Aminul Haque said that justice has not been delivered in the Supreme Court’s decision in the election case. He said the next elections should be held after the digital census and delimitations of constituencies. Leader of Opposition Raja Riaz said PTI Chairman Imran Khan, during his term as the Prime Minister, patronized the corrupt elements and destroyed the country’s institutions. He said there was a greater demand for the formation of a full court of the Supreme Court to hear the election case but this was not given ear to.

Taking the floor, Minister for Power Khurram Dastagir said the Supreme Court of Pakistan should serve the interests of the people and preserve and defend the constitution of Pakistan. He said the situation warrants that the apex court brings transparency in its matters and structure its exercise of authority which he said is nowhere to be seen in the recent judgments. The Minister expressed satisfaction that there was consensus within the parliament for the protection of the constitution. He said we do not want confrontation but will have to preserve our rights. He said it is also written in the constitution that the next elections should be held after the census.

Khurram Dastagir said the 2023 elections should be held simultaneously in a free, fair and transparent manner without any interference. Hashim Notezi of BNP in his remarks said that elections of the National Assembly and the four Provincial Assemblies should be held simultaneously saying this is important for stability in the country. Aslam Bhootani said other institutions should also respect the parliament. Abdul Akbar Chitrali said the Chief Justice of Pakistan should take suo motu notice after consultation with the full bench.

Naz Baloch said being workers of the PPP, we respect the judiciary. She, however, said had the election case been decided by a full court, it would have been accepted by all in the parliament. Syed Mehmood Shah said the apex court should deliver judgments through collective wisdom saying it is also important for the institution’s own dignity.