Punjab PA bodies to be involved in budget-making process

M RAFIQUE GORAYA

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif has set up a committee headed by Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah for submitting practicable proposals to involve Punjab Assembly standing committees in the budget making process.

The Chief Minister held a meeting with a three-member delegation led by head of Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) Ahmad Bilal Mehboob who gave a briefing regarding the role of standing committees in budget making in a democratic set up.  Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Member National Assembly Anusha Rehman, Chairman Lahore Transport Company Kh. Ahmad Hasaan, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Law and Secretary Finance were also present during the meeting.

Various proposals and suggestions for enhancing the role of standing committees of provincial assembly in budget making were considered in detail.

Sharif has said Pakistan Muslim League-N government attaches high importance to the stability of democratic institutions so that benefits of the democracy should reach the common man

He said Punjab government has given due importance to the proposals and suggestions of assembly members in the budget making during the last four years.

"Budget is reflective of economic policies and Punjab government has set the budget targets in such a manner that it should ensure rapid economic development and uplift of the common man, he added.

Ahmad Bilal Mehboob appreciated the fact that the proposal of Anusha Rehman, MNA of PML-N for amendment to the rules of national assembly has been approved by Rules and Privilege Committee.