Islamabad: The National Assembly has approved all 136 demands for grants related to various ministries for the upcoming fiscal year, a move spearheaded by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The approved grants cover key divisions including Revenue, Human Rights, Interior, and National Food Security and Research.

During the session, Finance Minister Aurangzeb highlighted positive economic trends, such as increased foreign exchange reserves and reduced inflation and policy rates. He noted that independent surveys have reported growing investor confidence in the country. Additionally, he announced that federal expenditures will see less than a two percent increase, a significant reduction compared to previous years.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry addressed enhancements in passport security, noting that the Pakistani passport now includes international features to prevent forgery. He added that the country’s airports and seaports are integrated with an AI system to ensure valid travel documentation.

In the Human Rights Division, Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar announced that the National Commission for Human Rights Pakistan received an “A” status for the first time, reflecting effective legislation to protect women, children, and minority rights.

Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain shared measures to boost agricultural productivity, including regulated fertilizer prices and deregulation of sugarcane and wheat to benefit farmers. He also mentioned the achievement of the cotton sowing target and the training of agricultural graduates in China.

The session saw opposition cut-motions rejected, and the House is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m.