NA opposition asks: How will PM family’s investment abroad bring in money?

Quorum problem continues to affect proceedings; Mazari again seeks apology from Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Initiating a debate on the budget 2016-2017 in the National Assembly on Friday, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) member Abdus Sattar Bachani asked how foreign investment would flow into Pakistan when Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s family members were keeping their assets abroad. Meantime, the quorum problem continued to hinder the proceedings for the fifth consecutive day on Friday.

At the outset, the PTI members pointed out the lack of quorum when only 59 members were present in the House. The proceedings were suspended for over 45 minutes till the completion of the quorum.

Dr. Shireen Mazari of PTI, on a point of order, again sought an apology from the Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. The minister, however, remained unmoved and refrained from indulging in any discussion on the issue anymore.

Mazari also questioned as to what had happened to the privilege motion that had been submitted against Khawaja Asif. The speaker said a written reply from Khawaja Asif was awaited. “You will be informed as soon as the reply is received,” he said.

When she insisted on the time frame, Ayaz Sadiq said it was expected during the ongoing financial year.

Dr. Mazari also came down hard on the PML-N women parliamentarians saying that they did not support her during the whole episode.

Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh of the PML-N appreciated the government economic team for the hard work done during the last three years to stabilise the economy. He said collective efforts were needed for presenting a Charter of Economy and emphasized the need for creating a consensus on the Kalabagh Dam.

PTI’s Dr Muhammad Amjad Niazi said only 33 percent revenue of the total potential was being collected. He criticised the increase in indirect taxes saying that it would put more burden on the common man.

Jamaluddin congratulated the government for presenting the fourth budget despite difficult circumstances. He demanded that the Fata Levies be given the status enjoyed by the KP Police.

Abdul Wasim of MQM stressed the need for focusing on education and health. He said the government should go for direct taxes. He appreciated the relief package for the development of agriculture sector and demanded a mechanism for elimination of corruption.

Wasim also stressed on resolution of problems being faced by the residents of Karachi.

He said 20 percent pay raise should be given to government employees and minimum wage should be fixed at Rs20,000.

Makhdoom Syed Mustafa Mahmood said the GDP growth rate should be higher because recession in the world had ended now. He said the government was running day to day affairs in a better manner but no long-term vision had been witnessed in the budget. He called for payment of better prices to farmers for their produce.

Asiya Naz Tanoli said the PML-N government under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif always strived for improving the country’s future. She said different schemes had been introduced for the betterment of youth.

Dr Fauzia Hameed of PML-N said the next year’s budget painted a rosy picture of economy but the people had no basic necessities of life, including electricity, water and health facilities. She suggested establishment of more industries and creation of job opportunities.

Dr Fauzia also suggested one percent reduction in the GST every year to bring it to 10 percent to give relief to the poor.

Zahra Wadood Fatemi termed the budget pro-poor. She said an increase in foreign exchange reserves spoke volumes about the successful economic policies of the government.