Legislators urge govt to provide maximum relief to masses

ISLAMABAD: The lawmakers in the Senate on Thursday urged the government to provide maximum relief to the downtrodden segments of the society in the federal budget 2024-25 and called for reducing taxes and increasing allocations for the education and health sectors.

Senator Saifullah Abro, while participating in the budget debate, said that all issues should be resolved in the parliament, the representative and proper forum for the masses.

He held the caretaker government responsible for halting development projects in Sindh, Punjab, and other provinces.

Saifullah also stressed the need for basic health facilities in Sindh. He criticised the policy that prevents non-filers from traveling abroad, the official news agency reported.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) Senator Bushra Anjam Butt praised the government for presenting a balanced and comprehensive budget addressing various issues.

She called for expanding the tax net for the welfare of the masses and appreciated the significant allocations for health and education.

Bushra Butt accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of politically victimising educational and other projects in Punjab during its tenure, harming the future of school-going children.

She supported public-private partnerships to enhance the capacity of state-owned entities and reduce the government’s burden.

Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan criticised the numerous taxes imposed on the masses and called for their review to provide relief in the federal budget.

He noted that previous budgets, including this one, failed to offer any relief to the downtrodden. He urged the government to enhance allocation for education and health sector.

Senior PPP leader Senator Taj Haider claimed that the government did not consult party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the federal budget.

He opposed the privatisation of government entities, which he argued creates unemployment.

Taj Haider advocated for running inefficient institutions and promoting policies to reduce dependence on foreign loans. He also suggested the government for providing cheap fertilizer to the farmers.

Parliamentary leader of the National Party (NP) Jan Muhammad Buledi urged the government not to withdraw subsidies given to farmers and other sectors, warning that such steps would bring hardship to common people.

He welcomed the announcement of insurance coverage for the journalist community and urged its rapid extension to more media personnel.

Jan Buledi also appreciated the increased funds allocated to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).