Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Opposition lawmakers of the National Assembly on Monday termed the budget “anti-people”, claiming the government had not provided any relief to the common man.

On Monday, the House resumed general discussions on the budget for the fiscal year 2017-18. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq was in the chair. On a point of order, Leader of the Opposition Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah said that no relief had been provided to the common man in the federal budget. He said that the country faced a number of internal and external challenges. “These need to be addressed in an effective manner. The people are in distress. But the government’s attitude shows that it has no interest in resolving these challenges,” he said.

He said that the people had empowered the parliament. “It should be the centre of all politics. However, here the case is totally opposite. Opposition has strong reservations over not broadcasting their speeches on the federal budget,” he said. He then announced a walk-out.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain said that if opposition members were sincere in resolving the problems facing the country, they should participate in the parliamentary proceedings to chalk out a proper strategy to address these challenges. He said the government was fully capable of addressing the challenges facing the country.

Participating in the budget debate, Iftikhar Ahmed Cheema said that increase in the defence budget was a good omen. “It has been appreciated by all segments of the society,” he said.

Shezra Mansab Ali proposed that markup rate on industrial and agricultural loans should be reduced.

Mian Abdul Mannan said that allocation of more than Rs 1 trillion for development projects would bring prosperity to the country and improve living standards of the common man. Khalil George described the budget as people friendly and said that measures proposed in the budget would open new avenues of development and job opportunities.

Tahira Aurangzeb lauded the government for allocation of funds for energy sector. “This will help overcome energy shortage in the country,” she said. Shakila Luqman congratulated the finance minister for presenting a balanced budget.

Asiya Naz Tanoli called to enhance the budget for Baitul Maal. Arifa Khalid said substantial relief had been provided to the common man by reducing tax tariff. Tariq Christopher Qaiser appealed to the government to restore the minority ministry.

The House was then adjourned to meet again today (Tuesday) at 11 am.