The National Assembly on Tuesday resumed general discussion on the federal budget for the next fiscal year.
Taking part in the debate Belum Hasnain said that despite extremely difficult situation the government has presented a balanced budget.
She welcomed decrease in general sales tax and increase in the salaries of government employees.
She said that responsibility rests with the provinces to check the prices of essential commodities.
She also appreciated allocation of thirty-two billion rupees for the water and power sector saying it will help address the energy crisis.
Begum Nuzahat Sadiq while expressing concerns over the electricity crisis and law and order situation suggested the government to introduce an equitable tax system to enhance revenues. She said that subsidies should be given to poorest of the poor and policies be evolved for the revival of the economy.
Participating in the debate Salahuddin said the government claims the budget is pro-people and bring prosperity but keeping in view the prevailing circumstances, the situation is quite opposite and the government will not be able to achieve its set targets.
Expressing concern over the rising public debt Zahid Haamid said the government will not be able to achieve its revenue collection target as envisioned in the federal budget. He opposed the imposition of taxes through ordinances saying it is violation of the constitution.
Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho said that inspite of devolution the federal government should lay emphasis on the education sector to bring about cohesion in the society. She said that efforts should be made to increase enrollment at the primary and secondary level. Rejecting opposition’s criticism, she said that no body has the prerogative to demean any institution. She said that instead of criticism the opposition should come up with constructive proposals to improve the lot of the common man.
Describing the budget as a tradition one, Shagufta Sadiq regretted that no steps have been taken to revive the ailing economy and reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. She said all the potential income generating sectors should be brought into the tax net without any discrimination.
Rubina Saadat Qaimkhani said it is the best possible budget in the prevailing circumstances in which all the sectors have been given focus. She proposed the government to enhance allocations for the social sector.
Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao called for the formulation of a national policy to deal with terrorism and extremism. He said that all stakeholders including all the political parties and civil society should sit together and evolve a consensus on the national anti-terrorism policy. He said that we need to build institutions to steer the country out of current crises. He called for the implementation of the unanimous resolutions passed by the parliament.
Muhammad Akram Ansari said due to gas load-shedding all the industries including the textile are closed which have rendered a large number of people jobless. He proposed the government to give subsidy to farmers on electricity bills.
Shamshad Sattar Bachani said the government should not impose tax on agriculture at all as it will be detrimental for the sector. She said that more tax be imposed on the industrialists to improve economic situation of the economy.
Kishan Chand Parwani also opposed tax on pesticides, fertilizers and tractors saying increase in the prices of agriculture inputs will add to the problems of growers. He urged the government to take steps for the welfare of minorities.
Rana Afzaal Hussain opposed the withdrawal of subsidies saying it will increase the cost of living. He proposed the government to further reduce the General Sales Tax for bringing the prices of essential commodities down. He said the government should also reduce interest rate to attract foreign and local investment and promote the industrial sector.
