Islamabad: The National Assembly has given its approval to four demands for grants related to the Interior Ministry for the upcoming fiscal year. These financial requests were presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, with opposition's cut motions being rejected by the house.
According to Radio Pakistan, during the winding-up discussion on the cut motions, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry outlined various reforms implemented within different departments of the Interior Ministry. Emphasizing Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, he reiterated the government's dedication to achieving peace in the country by eliminating terrorism. He also noted that NACTA and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centers are now operational.
Talal Chaudhry further disclosed that the government has enhanced its immigration and passport verification system, leading to a forty-seven percent decrease in illegal migration from Pakistan to other countries. He added that steps are being taken to provide passport services at NADRA offices. Additionally, he announced plans to transform the federal capital into Pakistan's first smart city, which will feature a comprehensive e-governance system to improve civic services.
The National Assembly also approved three demands for grants concerning the National Food Security and Research Division for the next financial year, which were also moved by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The opposition's cut motions on these grants were similarly rejected by the House.
Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, in his response to the cut motions, highlighted the agriculture sector's potential to revitalize the economy. He mentioned that the provinces are investing 200 billion rupees to bolster agriculture. Moreover, the government has eliminated all duties on agricultural machinery for the next fiscal year. The minister also outlined measures for technology transfer, value addition, establishment of silos, provision of climate-resilient quality seeds, and reduction of post-harvest losses.
Additionally, the House approved three demands for grants for the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division for the coming financial year, once again moved by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The opposition's cut motions on these requests were dismissed by the House.
Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, addressing the cut motions, stated that the government is offering education and healthcare support to eligible families through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), with a particular focus on Balochistan. He announced the implementation of a digital wallet system to ensure transparency in BISP payments, along with the digitization of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal. He also reported that two million out of 2.8 million out-of-school children have been enrolled through BISP initiatives.
The House is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow at eleven in the morning.