President invites CEC for urgent meeting on elections

President Dr. Arif Alvi has invited Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja for an urgent meeting to consult on the date or dates of the general elections.

The President, in a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner, has asked the CEC to come for a meeting on Monday in his office for consultation in terms of Section 57(1) of Elections Act, 2017, that provides that the President shall announce the date or dates of the general elections after consultation with the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Dr Arif Alvi said since his letter on 08th of this month, some substantial developments like the Judgment of the Lahore High Court and recent observations of the Supreme Court had taken place. He expressed displeasure over the apathy and inaction on part of the Commission that didn’t respond to his earlier letter as yet.

The President said he waited anxiously that the Commission would realize its constitutional duties to proceed and act accordingly, but he was extremely dismayed by ECP’s poignant approach on this important matter.

Source: Radio Pakistan

NA holds discussion on Finance Supplementary Bill, 2023

The National Assembly held discussion on the Finance Supplementary Bill, 2023.

The Bill proposed taxation measures of 170 billion rupees to meet the understanding reached with the International Monetary Fund for the extended fund facility.

Participating in the discussion, Qadir Khan Mandokhel suggested that maximum taxes be imposed on luxury properties and vehicles and the burden on the poor people must be reduced.

Salahuddin said the Parliament should be informed as to who is behind the current dire economic situation of the country.

He recalled that the IMF agreement was signed by the previous government which then backtracked from it.

Saira Bano said there is strong resentment amongst the people over the rising inflation. She opposed the imposition of taxes on sugary drinks.

Afzal Dhandhla said the taxes will only affect the lives of poor people. He also voiced concerns over increase in the gas and power tariffs. He said focus should be given to the agriculture sector in order to steer the country out of current quagmire. He also proposed imposition of ban on import of luxury vehicles saying the public transport system should be strengthened.

Agha Rafiullah said all the political parties should sit together to find solution to the country’s problems.

The House today passed Pir Roshaan Institute of Progressive Sciences and Technology Miranshah.

The house has been adjourned to meet again on Monday at five pm.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Govt will soon announce austerity measures to reduce expenditures, Senate told

Minister of State for Finance Aisha Ghaus Pasha has said the government will soon announce austerity measures to reduce expenditures.

Speaking during discussion on the Finance Supplementary Bill 2023 in the Senate on Friday, she said the cabinet members belonging to the PML-N have already announced not to withdraw their salaries.

She said the government is working to steer the country out of crises. She said we will have to take structural reforms and tough decisions to put the country on the path of stability. He said there should not be any politics on it.

The Minister of State clarified that enhancement of power and gas tariff will not apply on the consumers using less energy. She said the government has also enhanced the budget of Benazir Income Support Program by forty billion rupees with the aim to provide relief to the downtrodden segments of the society. She said we also want to work in tandem with the provincial governments to extend relief to the poor class.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar said it was the PTI government which signed agreement with IMF. He said PTI government is responsible for economic crisis in the country.

The Minister asked the opposition to act maturely and work with the government for the development of the country.

Participating in the debate, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shahzad Waseem demanded of the government to withdraw the Supplementary Finance Bill saying that it will add to the woes of the common man.

He said today inflation is already at the highest level of the history of the country. He said despite the financial crisis, the government is spending money on luxuries.

The Leader of the Opposition said salaried people are suffering from price hike. He said even today Imran Khan is the only hope for the masses.

Senator Mushtaq Ahmed in his remarks termed mini budget as a black document and criticized the government for imposing tax on gas, electricity and other necessary items. He said poor people are unable to survive in growing prices of essential commodities.

He suggested that the government should do away with protocol culture and resources should be diverted for the people of the country.

Senator Muhammad Tahir Bizenjo called for joint efforts to deal with the economic crisis. He said the government should take austerity measures.

Taking the floor of the House, Senator Mohsin Aziz said the government is paying no attention to economic challenges. He asked the government to control smuggling.

Kamil Ali Agha termed the supplementary bill 2023 as anti-poor.

Hidayatullah Khan said that prices of all essential items are getting out of reach of the poor people. He said imposing tax on cement will affect the construction sector.

The House has now been adjourned to meet again on Monday at eleven am.

Source: Radio Pakistan