ISLAMABAD: Lawmakers belonging to both opposition and ruling parties on Tuesday exchanged barbs comparing performance of the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf government with previous governments. The opposition parties claimed that the PTI government had totally failed to honour its promises made with the public before general elections. They said that instead of facilitating common people, the government was putting them under greater burden of taxation through increased prices of gas, electricity, and petrol. However, the PTI ministers claimed that it was in fact the previous governments that brought the country on verge of collapse, and that they were trying their best to keep the country on the right path. Defence Minister Pervez Khattak denied allegations regarding the appointment of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s relative in Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) Peshawar Board of Directors, and said that one of the best professionals had been given the post and he was working without any salary. The minister said that board members come to Pakistan to attend meetings on their own expense. “We are not paying even a single penny to him, we have hired the services of one of the best people for Khyber Pukhtunkhwa,” he said. Responding to various points raised by the Opposition during the debate on supplementary budget, he said, “no employees of utility stores corporation of Pakistan would be sacked, no teachers of Information Technology in KP would be terminated and rumors in this regard were far from reality.” He also dispelled the impression that contracts in KP had been awarded to Jahangir Khan Tareen. “If anyone proved that contract had been awarded to Jahangir Khan Tareen, I am ready to pay all the penalties, but if these allegations are proven false, they will have to pay,” he said. The minister urged the opposition parliamentarians not to level false allegations. “We got the majority in the general election due to our performance; we have delivered to common people not to the rich,” he added. Pervez Khattak claimed that PTI would also win the next elections after completing five year constitutional terms due to its performance. While responding to a call attention notice moved by Malik Anwar Taj, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan said the initial work on the Mohmand Dam would start in April next year. He said that Mohmand Dam project had immense importance, as it would store 1.2 million acre feet of water for irrigation purposes, and help generate 800 megawatts of energy. He said the feasibility study has already been completed and evaluation of the project had been started. He added that the project, scheduled to be completed in five years and eight months after start of the construction work, will significantly contribute towards development of agriculture, industrial, economic and social sectors. Meanwhile, State Minister for Communication Murad Saeed lashed out at the former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government. In a harsh criticism directed at the previous government, Saeed remarked that money laundering and theft were rampant during PML-N’s tenure. “Those who are questioning our government’s direction should first answer why a PIA aircraft was stolen during their tenure,” Saeed said. The PTI MNA further stated that 10 billion dollars were illegally sent out of the country during PML-N’s tenure. “We are not afraid of naming Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, neither has a helicopter ever transported money for our prime minister,” Saeed lashed out. He said the opposition was criticising the government for converting the Prime Minister House into a university. He continued that former National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) chairman Tariq Malik was compelled to leave the country. Energy crisis has not yet ended despite tall claims of erstwhile PML-N government. Load shedding has not yet ended from the country. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Hina Rabbani Khar slammed the ruling party for its reluctance on giving the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee to the opposition. The government can’t make tall claims about accountability while refusing to let the opposition head the committee, which, among other tasks, is authorised to examine Auditor General’s reports for ministries, divisions, and corporations. The former foreign minister also stated that the government has hiked up gas and electricity prices but claims that it won’t affect the poor. “This is a lie,” she said. Why doesn’t Finance Minister Asad Umar, who used to criticise tax hikes, not decrease taxes now, Khar asked. Responding to another call attention, Saeed said work on Hazara Motorway has been expedited for its early completion. He said work on two phases of Hazara Motorway had almost been finished, while third phase was now being completed at a fast pace. He said feasibility of Chakdara-Kalam road has also been prepared and it will soon be constructed. Taking part in the debate, Asad Mahmood of MMA said Islamic economic system should be enforced in the country, which is the only way forward to end sufferings of the people. He said common people should not be burdened with additional taxes. Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha said increase in gas tariff will multiply sufferings. Aminul Haq said the government should uphold previous government decision of not permitting non-filers to purchase property. He stressed the need for introducing pro-industry policies. He said water and transport issues of Karachi should be addressed on priority basis. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ghulam Sarwar Khan has confirmed Pakistan’s plan to take oil from Saudi Arabia on credit for five years. Addressing in the National Assembly, Ghulam Sarwar said the authorities in Saudi Arabia have agreed to Pakistan’s request. Published in Daily Times, October 3rd 2018.