The Punjab Assembly on Monday has passed a resolution urging the Federal government to withdraw the recent increase in prices of petroleum goods. Ijaz Ahmed Khan, a treasury bencher and a member of the Unification Block moved the resolution in the presence of just 14 legislators. The resolution stated that the petrol price hike should be withdrawn, as its price has declined in the international market.
Twelve treasury benchers and two opposition benchers unanimously passed the resolution. Speaker Rana Iqbal was confused over declaring it unanimous, since only 14 members were present in the House. However, on the insistence of the treasury benchers, it was declared unanimous resolution.
Meanwhile, four members of the House took part in the pre-budget discussion. Legislators from the PML-N Sher Ali and Asfgar Ali Manda demanded construction of Kalabagh Dam. They argued that the survival of the country was linked with the Kalabagh Dam. Sher Ali said it should be constructed after developing a consensus and for propagation the Punjab government should allocate funds.
He also proposed to the government to re-launch Green Tractor Scheme and to continue subsidy on agricultural machinery to encourage automation in agricultural sector. He observed that millions of rupees were spent on seed research, but no seed for 'Barani' (arid) areas was introduced and hence import of seeds should be considered.
He pointed out that backward areas did not exist only in the southern Punjab, but such unfortunate areas also existed in other parts of Punjab. "Hence, special packages should be provided to all backward areas of Punjab and not just for southern Punjab," he added. Apart from the Kalabagh Dam, Asfgar Ali Manda also advocated for construction of small dams by the Punjab government, which in his opinion would help in minimising electricity shortage and water scarcity.
He also stressed for promotion of bio-gas technology, which would help in overcoming energy crisis. Earlier, the House also took up question-answer session on health department and the Parliamentary Secretary Dr Saeed Elahi answered the queries. The Speaker adjourned the House till Tuesday morning.
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