Shun politics of agitation on budget, govt urges oppn

islamabad — The treasury benches on Tuesday urged the opposition members to shun the politics of agitation and play constructive role by presenting valuable suggestions that could be accommodated in the budget for next fiscal year.

Responding to points raised by leader of the opposition Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, said the opposition members were responsible people and the government was ready to accommodate all valuable suggestions for betterment of the people.

He said the government regretted that they were toeing someone’s agenda.

He also advised the opposition to learn lesson from the upper house of parliament which always contributed positive proposal and suggestions in the budget.

Rana Tanveer said that around 80 per cent proposals given by Senators were accommodated every year in the budget.

Talking about the government’s achievement, the minister said record 19,000 MW was generated for the first time in the country’s history while Pakistan Stock Exchange was also being considered in top five stock exchanges of the world.

He said the government had inherited only around $3 billion foreign reserves and was on the verge of default but now the reserves had touched $22 billion.

He also criticised the opposition leader for not discussing the budget during his speech which related to lives of over 200 million people.

Chief of Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party Mehmood Khan Achakzai reiterated that amendment should be brought to the rule and procedure so the opposition leader’s speeches should also be live telecast.

He requested the Speaker to suspend the proceeding in order to hold negotiation with the opposition leader. Amra Khan while taking part in the budget discussion, termed the budget pro-people and pro-farmers.

She said Pakistan’s rating has been improved as per the reports of the foreign financial institutions. She expressed the hope that the nation would join G-20 by 2030.

Amra said all development projects and schemes were being completed ahead of its schedule adding that Sahiwal Coal Power Plant has been completed in a record time of 22 months which reflected the government’s commitment to bring the country on road to progress and prosperity at accelerated speed.

She said China Pakistan Economic Corridor project initiated by the government would be a game changer in the region which would also bring resolution in the country. — APP