MQM seeks $2 billion under CPEC package for Karachi uplift

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Monday urged the government to allocate $2 billion for the development of Karachi under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) package. The MQM also demanded apology on the floor of the House by the Prime Minister on his statement about "Even if a fly dies, a protest strike is called in Karachi".
Taking part in the budget debate in the National Assembly, MQM leader Sheikh Salahuddin also urged more allocation of resources to address problems being faced by Karachi like terrorism, unemployment and water shortage. He said that the budget would increase inflation and the poor class will have to bear much burden.
The MQM leader further said that the government has also proposed tax on second hand clothes and made it difficult for the poor to buy even second hand clothes. The government should announce more development projects like the metro bus to overcome transportation problems in Karachi, he added. Nasir Iqbal Bosal said Pakistan was exporting 75 percent rice to Iran; however India sent a team to Iran and convinced them for importing India rice, which negatively hit our exports. He urged the government to form a team and send to Iran for convincing them to buy Pakistani rice to give farmers a relief. He further said that the government should convince China to import Pakistani rice of low standard as it is the biggest importer. Bosal said the country's economy can be strengthened by promoting agriculture and resolving problems being faced by the farmers.
Ghous Bux Mahar called for reduction in duration of load shedding and demanded duty on import of solar panels to promote use of solar energy. He further said every developed country gives subsides and incentives to agriculture sector, however in Pakistan it is being neglected. Agriculture sector should be given importance to increase growth rate of the country.
Ali Gohar Khan Mahar demanded special development package for Ghotki district to overcome lack of educational, health and infrastructure facilities. About 200 oil wells are there in Ghotki and due to heavy traffic, roads are destroyed but no maintenance is being carried out.