Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has once again warned the federal government against creating hurdles in formation of party’s government in Gilgit Baltistan, saying “Otherwise everything will be sabotaged,” it was reported on Tuesday.
Speaking in the National Assembly session, PPP MNA Abdul Qadir Patel also cautioned the government against making Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) a “political issue”.
The lawmaker said the PPP was being accused of opting for compromise on budget but “we will make all decisions in country’s interest only”.
He maintained that the government is receiving taxes from poor who even did not know how to file tax return or claim.
Abdul Qadir Patel said Pakistan’s efforts for peace between the US and Iran will be remembered for decades. He was appreciative of the civilian and military leadership for their efforts in this regard.
On his turn, Federal Minister for Health Services Minister Mustafa Kamal said even after the completion of K4 project the people of Karachi would not be able to get water.
“Karachi is not getting any funds. Its water problem is not being solved,” he said and added that they have proposed constitutional amendments and if they are adopted the power will be devolved to lowest level.
Mustafa Kamal also emphasized the need to control population growth. He noted that a growing population increases the demand for essential services such as healthcare, education and housing, raising the question of whether the country has sufficient resources to meet these needs.
Mustafa Kamal was appreciative of removing General Sales Tax on contraceptives in the budget, stressing it will have an impact on population control. He said they have also prepared a population stabilization roadmap, envisaging measures to enhance awareness amongst the public.
10 Pakistani hostages
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the National Assembly that the government is actively working through diplomatic channels to secure the release of 10 Pakistani citizens being held hostage in Somalia.
Responding to a point raised by PPP lawmaker Abdul Qadir Patel during the House proceedings, the minister said the government took immediate notice of the matter as soon as it was brought before Parliament.
The minister informed House that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had already contacted his Somali counterpart to discuss the issue, adding that the Foreign Office has remained fully engaged and has issued statements regarding the situation.
Azam Tarar said that Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch is in continuous contact with the relevant Somali authorities, while Pakistan’s mission in Djibouti is closely monitoring developments and coordinating efforts for the hostages’ release.
He said that the hostages are not being held by the Somali government but by another group, making it challenging to determine their exact whereabouts and secure their immediate release.
Assuring the House of the government’s commitment, Tarar said Parliament and the public would be kept informed of any significant progress. “These are our citizens and their safety remains a matter of serious concern for the government. We are fully aware of their situation and are making every possible effort through diplomatic channels to secure their release,” he said.
Taking the floor, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the government has presented a balanced budget in order to take forward the economy. He said several measures have been taken for the relief of the public.
Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan is the safest country for investment in the region. He appreciated the leadership for enhancing the country’s image and reputation through its efforts for peace between Iran and the United States.
Opposition member Sana Ullah Khan Mastikhel said there is nothing for the youth, agriculture and industries in the budget.
Sehar Kamran said the salary raise of seven percent given to the employees is not sufficient and it should be further enhanced.
Nauman Shaikh said the budget should generate employment opportunities. He said efforts should be directed towards taking the country in the right direction.
Earlier in the session, a delegation from Bangladesh’s higher education sector visited the National Assembly and observed the proceedings. Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the visiting delegation, while lawmakers greeted them by thumping their desks.
