The National Assembly resumed general discussion on budgetary proposals for the fiscal year 2016-17 on Wednesday.
Taking part in the discussion, MNA Dawar Khan Kundi termed the budget as directionless, and added that holding of population census is imperative for judicious allocation of funds to the provinces. He said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a game-changer project and that it should be implemented as soon as possible.
Rana Afzal congratulated the finance minister for presenting a balanced and people-friendly budget. He appreciated relief package for farmers, however, he demanded further decrease in urea fertilizer. He pointed out the government should focus on agriculture research to provide disease-free seeds of rice to boost its production. He expressed the hope that Pakistan Muslim League – N (PML-N) will win the next general elections on the basis of its performance.
Replying to points raised by opposition members, Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan told the House that tax concessions have been given to import of scanners for customs clearance at Port Qasim, Karachi.
He said container security initiative is operative in fifty eight destinations of the world and Pakistan is part of global village. He said the US is importing modern scanners for the purpose and the old ones will be gifted to Pakistan.
Taking part in the debate, Abdul Qahar Wadan demanded fresh NFC Award at the earliest. Ghulam Rasool Sahi stressed the need to make the economy-interest free. Usman Khan Tarakai said terrorism and unemployment are the major challenges that need to be addressed on a priority basis, while Chaudhry Muhammad Munir Azhar described the budget as farmers-friendly.
In his speech, Muhammad Salman Khan Baloch termed the budget as political, adding that there is no mechanism to address the issues of price hike and increasing unemployment.
Participating in the discussion, Nadeem Abbas Rebaira said that economy has improved as a result of good steps taken by the government. He paid tribute to the martyrs of war against terror for sacrificing their lives to establish peace in the country. He stressed the need to review the foreign policy in view of developments taking place in the region.
Makhdoom Saeeduz Zaman called for collective efforts for provision of inexpensive and speed justice to the people. He demanded the government to announce a special package for Karachi, as it is the economic hub of the country.
Shaikh Fayazuddin urged the opposition to avoid politics of allegations and seek solutions of problems by remaining within the parameters of the constitution. He stressed allocations of increased funds for agriculture research and early completion of Benazir Shaheed Bridge on Indus River.
Shehryar Khan Afridi said budget does not represent ground realities, and highlighted the need for effective diplomacy in view of changes taking place in the region.
In a policy statement in National Assembly, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said MSCI, a leading provider of global equity indexes has upgraded Pakistan to the emerging markets status. He said this happened due to steps taken by the government to improve the economy during the last three years.
Ishaq Dar said decision of the MSCI will have positive impact on direct foreign investment in the country and also help achieve the objectives of mid-term microfinance framework mentioned in the budget.