- Nisar tells NA govt considering ‘Democracy Park and Speech Corner’ for demonstrations, rallies and protests in federal capital
- Massive funds to be allocated for FATA development in the next budget
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan informed the National Assembly on Friday that there is a proposal under consideration that will address protests in capital territory.
“Democracy Park and Speech Corner” is being reviewed so that a specific area can be earmarked for demonstrations, rallies and protests, the minister told lawmakers.
The House was informed that massive funds would be allocated for the development of FATA in the next budget.
Replying to a question during question hour, Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan said that over Rs 32 billion were allocated for the development of FATA last year.
To another question regarding the increase of sales tax on petroleum products from 17 to 22 per cent he said that it was due to a decline in revenue suffered after the fall in oil prices. He further stated that the government has reduced prices of petroleum to give consumers a relief of over 30 per cent.
Afzal said that the current account deficit was recorded at $2.3 billion during the first five months of the current financial year which is slightly higher than $2.1 billion for the same period last year. He said it is mainly due to the reduction in global prices for petroleum.
Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Syed Muhammad Saqlain Bukhari told the House that Rs 146 billion have been released during the first six months of the current financial year, out of Rs 525 billion meant for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Marvi Memon presented a special report on “proposals to strengthen media’s role in combating terrorism”.
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