Lawmakers Urge Maximum Relief for Underprivileged in Budget

APP

Islamabad: During Thursday’s Senate session, lawmakers called on the government to prioritize relief for disadvantaged groups in the federal budget for 2024-25, advocating for tax reductions and increased funding for education and healthcare.

Senator Saifullah Abro, contributing to the budget discussion, emphasized that all issues should be settled in Parliament, the true forum for the public.

He blamed the caretaker government for obstructing development projects in Sindh, Punjab, and other provinces. Saifullah also highlighted the need for basic health services in Sindh and criticized the policy barring non-filers from traveling abroad.

Senator Bushra Anjam Butt of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) commended the government for presenting a balanced budget addressing various concerns.

She called for an expanded tax base to benefit the public and praised the substantial funding for health and education.

Bushra Butt accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of politically targeting educational and other projects in Punjab during its tenure, adversely affecting the education of school children.

She supported public-private partnerships to boost state-owned entities’ capacity and lessen the government’s burden.

Aimal Wali Khan, President of the Awami National Party (ANP), criticized the numerous taxes imposed on the public, calling for their review to offer relief in the federal budget.

He pointed out that past budgets, including the current one, have failed to benefit the underprivileged and urged increased funding for education and health.

Senior PPP leader Senator Taj Haider claimed that the government did not consult party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the federal budget and opposed the privatization of government entities, arguing it leads to unemployment.

Taj Haider advocated for improving inefficient institutions and promoting policies to decrease reliance on foreign loans. He also recommended providing affordable fertilizer to farmers.

Jan Muhammad Buledi, the Parliamentary Leader of the National Party (NP), urged the government not to withdraw subsidies for farmers and other sectors, warning that such moves would worsen hardships for ordinary citizens.

He welcomed the announcement of insurance coverage for journalists and called for its quick extension to more media personnel. Jan Buledi also lauded the increased funding for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).