Parliamentarians laud Govt's efforts to improve economy, demand pay raise proportionate to inflation

ISLAMABAD: The parliamentarians from treasury benches on Friday appreciated government's efforts for improving the economy, while opposition lawmakers suggested to increase salaries of government employees while keeping in view the inflation.

Resuming general debate on budget 2015-16, Asghar Ali Shah lauded the government for continuation of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and enhancing its allocations to Rs 102 Billion.

He said the procedure to get loan under Prime Minister's Loan Scheme for youth should be made furhter easy so that deserving people could take benefit.

He said industries should be promoted to generate employment in the country.

Chaudhary Hamid Hameed paid tributes to the vision of the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and acknowledged hard work of his economic team in improving the economy.

He said the government would be far ahead on the path of progress and prosperity by this time, if the process was not hindered by politics of sit-ins.

He said the government had adopted the policy of merit and transparency in all departments including recruitment.

He said due to steps taken by the government, the country's economy had much improved as compared to last regime.

Amjid Ali Khan said the government has failed to achieve set targets. He said the government also failed to achieve announced growth rate. He suggested the government to expand the tax net. He said indirect taxes had been imposed in the budget. He suggested to increase the salaries of federal government employees keeping in view inflation. He also asked the government for the restructuring of the FBR. Chudhary Jaffar Iqbal asked the government to appreciate good steps taken by the government for the improvement of economy.

He said Pakistan Railways' performance had improved by the present government. Jaffar Iqbal said that special attention had been given to the development of Gwadar port.

Abdul Waseem said that 7.5 percent increase of the salaries of federal government employees was not sufficient. He said education sector had been ignored in the federal budget.

Pakistan Muslim League-N legislator Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan demanded the government to announce Rs 200 billion subsidy for agriculture sector.

He said urged the government to reduce Rs 1000 on each bag of urea and DAP. The general sales tax should be abolished on pesticides of agriculture, he added.

Rana Hayat said the government should impose duty on dry milk and focus on livestock to generate more revenue.

The legislator said that under the leadership of prime minister, Pakistan was on the path of progress and prosperity and international economic institutes were considering it appropriate for investment.

He called for taking concrete steps to bring back 300 billion US dollar, deposited abroad, in light of the decision of Supermen Court.