The National Assembly has begun debate on the federal budget for the next financial year.
Initiating the debate, leader of opposition Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said the first budget of any government reflects the direction of its future policies, but this budget is devoid of vision, direction and political philosophy. He said the subsidy on wheat has been decreased from 40 billion rupees to 20 billion rupees. He said no notable funds have been allocated for promotion of education. Criticizing the decision to shelve Kalabagh Dam project, the opposition leader proposed that instead of out rightly abandoning the project, the government should take measures to develop consensus on it. Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, while taking part in the debate, said if we follow the course set in the budget with full dedication and firm resolve, we can get rid of the political and economic crises facing the country.
He demanded that a commission should be constituted to investigate the wrong decisions taken by the previous government in privatization of important national assets.
Dr Abdul Qadir Khanzada of MQM welcomed the decision to freeze funds for the defense sector and presenting it for debate in the National Assembly. Ayaz Amir of PML-N said we will have to make major decisions about defense and other sectors against the backdrop of changing situation. Hina Rabbani Khar said the deprived classes of the society will directly benefit from Benazir income support programme. Fata MNA Kamran Khan congratulated the government on presenting such a people-friendly budget in difficult situation. Pervez Khan of ANP demanded that NWFP should be given profit of Hydel energy. Jamshed Ahmed Satti of PPP hailed the decisions to recruit one hundred thousands lady health workers and issuance of Benazir cards.
|
