Islamabad: The National Assembly continues to engage in a comprehensive debate on the upcoming financial year’s federal budget. Key discussions have revolved around economic incentives, agricultural advancements, and foreign policy mediation efforts, with varied perspectives offered by assembly members.
According to Radio Pakistan, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized the widespread approval from the business community regarding the measures proposed in the budget. He noted that incentives have been directed towards boosting the export sector, with a particular focus on enhancing agricultural productivity to elevate farmer profitability. Additionally, stability in the supply and pricing of Urea has been prioritized, alongside advancements in the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) through collaboration with China. The minister also outlined a target to increase exports in the olive sector to one billion dollars in the coming years.
Rana Tanveer Hussain also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in mediating between Iran and the United States, a role he suggested will be historically significant. Other assembly members offered varied viewpoints, with Shazia Marri reaffirming the Pakistan Peoples Party’s commitment to the Charter of Democracy and the global recognition of the Benazir Income Support Program. In contrast, Rana Ansar pointed out the absence of women-focused welfare schemes in the budget and called for greater salary increases.
Discussions also touched on education and climate change, with Khurram Shahzad advocating for public school improvements and Naz Baloch stressing investment in Information Technology. Meanwhile, Riaz ul Haq supported relief measures for the construction sector to spur economic activity, and Shafqat Abbas criticized the government’s economic and agricultural strategies. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto and Muhammad Numan both supported different aspects of the budget, with Numan expressing confidence in its potential to create youth employment through industrial and agricultural growth measures.