Islamabad: The National Assembly on Tuesday sanctioned sixty-nine demands for grants related to various ministries and their affiliated departments for the forthcoming financial year. These proposals were introduced by Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb.
According to Radio Pakistan, no cut motions were proposed against these demands for grants, which encompass areas such as Climate Change, Communications Division, Pakistan Post, Defense Production Division, Economic Affairs Division, and several others. The approved grants also include sectors like Federal Education and Professional Training, HEC, National Rahmatul Lil Aalameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority, and NAVTCC.
Additionally, the House approved twenty-seven demands for grants concerning the Cabinet Division, dismissing the cut motions moved by the opposition. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, addressing the cut motions, highlighted that the number of cabinet members is below eleven percent of the total Majlis-e-Shoora as mandated by the Constitution. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing tourism.
Furthermore, the House approved two demands for grants for the Commerce Division, rejecting all opposition-proposed cut motions. Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan informed the assembly of Pakistan’s export achievements, noting a milestone of 30.3 billion dollars and a significant increase in basmati rice exports.
Five demands for grants related to the Defence Division were also ratified, with opposition cut motions being dismissed. The House further approved six demands for grants concerning the Power, Petroleum Divisions, and Geological Survey of Pakistan.
Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, discussing the cut motions, stated that thirty-five percent of feeders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experience no load-shedding. He praised the government’s efforts in reducing power distribution losses and mentioned ongoing work on a policy to eliminate circular debt.
The National Assembly is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday at eleven in the morning.