Islamabad: The National Assembly is continuing discussion on the budget for the next financial year. Participating in the discussion, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain said the business community and other segments of the society have appreciated the measures announced in the budget for the next financial year. He said incentives have been given to the export sector.
According to Radio Pakistan, Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized the government's focus on uplifting the agriculture sector, with priorities set on enhancing agricultural productivity and profitability for farmers. He noted that the government has ensured stability in the supply and prices of Urea and is transforming the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) with China's cooperation. Hussain also highlighted the potential of the olive sector, aiming to boost its exports to one billion dollars in the coming years. Additionally, he mentioned Pakistan's mediation role between Iran and the US, asserting that this role will be historically significant.
During the debate, Shazia Marri stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has always adhered to the spirit of the Charter of Democracy. She highlighted the global recognition of the Benazir Income Support Program in empowering women. Gohar Ali Khan also appreciated Pakistan's efforts in fostering peace between Iran and the US.
However, some members expressed concerns. Rana Ansar pointed out the absence of women welfare schemes in the budget and called for a more significant increase in salaries, beyond the proposed seven percent. Khurram Shahzad emphasized the need for renovating public sector schools with the latest facilities and technology to ensure quality education through better-trained teachers. Naz Baloch called for more focus on addressing climate change challenges and increased investment in Information Technology.
Riaz ul Haq welcomed the relief measures for the construction sector, believing they will boost economic activity. He stressed the importance of achieving economic growth rates of six to seven percent. In contrast, Shafqat Abbas criticized the government's economic and agricultural policies.
Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto suggested reducing unnecessary expenditures to enhance the federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) size while welcoming the increased budget for the Benazir Income Support Program. Muhammad Numan described the budget as growth-oriented, with measures intended to uplift the industrial and agriculture sectors, expressing confidence that these measures would create employment opportunities for the youth.