Country can't be run on loans: Haideri

ISLAMABAD: The Senate began debate on the federal budget for the next financial year on Monday.

Initiating debate, the newly appointed leader of the opposition Moulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said the country cannot be run through taking foreign and domestic loans.

He said we should adopt such policies which would help achieve self-reliance. He was of the view that withdrawal of subsidies would result in price hike and should be kept intact wherever it is necessary.

He welcomed allocation of 115 billion rupees for water and power sector and said it would help overcome load-shedding.

He appreciated Benazir Income Support Programme, however he said under the programme financial assistance should be provided to the poor without any party affiliation. He also appreciated the step taken in the budget for abolition of special excise duty.

As Moulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri started his speech, members representing PML-N, Jamaat-e-Islami and other parties stood up and questioned his appointment as leader of the opposition.

The Chairman clarified that the appointment has been made as per rules as he had more numbers with him. However the agitating members continued making noise during speech of Moulana Haideri. (PPI)