NA resumes debate on budget 2011-12

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly resumed debate on the federal budget for the next financial on Tuesday which was presented in the house on June 3 by Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafiz Sheikh.

Continuing his speech, Raja Pervez Ashraf termed the budget people-friendly and asked the opposition to furnish their proposals for inclusion in the final budget document. He noted that it will be a healthy democratic practice and promote the politics of reconciliation started by the PPP.

He said that PPP welcomes the criticism of the opposition but it should not be criticism for the sake of criticism. He said instead of indulging in the past politics of point scoring, we should move forward in the best national interests.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif while participating in the debate said that the present government has failed to extend any relief to masses in its three-year term. He emphasized the need for making Pakistan an economically viable country as without this we cannot defend our sovereignty and integrity.

Dr. Farooq Sattar said the government should evolve a Charter of Economy by taking on board all the political parties to steer the country out of economic crisis. He said the Charter should be in accordance with the aspirations and wishes of the people. He called for increasing the tax to GDP ratio by bringing into the tax net the exempted sectors.

Dr. Farooq Sattar called for reduction in markup rate to attract foreign and local investment. He said there is also need to import LNG and exploit alternative energy resources to meet the growing energy requirements.(PPI)