Islamabad: The National Assembly has sanctioned demands for grants related to the Interior Ministry, National Food Security and Research Division, and Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division for the upcoming fiscal year. These approvals, moved by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, occurred as cut motions from the opposition were dismissed.

According to Radio Pakistan, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry emphasized reforms within the Interior Ministry, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to peace and the fight against terrorism. He noted operational enhancements, including the activation of NACTA and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centers. Chaudhry also highlighted a 47% reduction in illegal migration due to improved immigration and passport verification systems. Additionally, plans are underway to provide passport services at NADRA offices, and Islamabad is set to become the country’s first smart city with an e-governance system.

In the realm of agriculture, Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain discussed the sector’s potential economic impact. He revealed that provincial investments of 200 billion rupees aim to bolster agriculture, with duties on agricultural machinery eliminated in the next budget. Efforts are also focused on technology transfer, value addition, and the provision of climate-resilient seeds.

For poverty alleviation, Minister Syed Imran Ahmad Shah outlined enhancements in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), targeting education and healthcare for needy families, with a special focus on Balochistan. The introduction of a digital wallet system aims to ensure transparent BISP payment distribution, while Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal has been digitized. Out of 2.8 million out-of-school children, two million have been enrolled through BISP initiatives.

The assembly will reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m.