ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has expressed concern over smoking inside Parliament House, saying that second-hand smoke is affecting lawmakers who do not smoke.
Speaking during the National Assembly’s session on Tuesday, the minister said smoking was taking place openly inside the parliamentary building, exposing non-smoking members to its harmful effects. “What fault is it of those who do not smoke?” he questioned, stressing that non-smokers should not have to suffer because of others’ smoking habits.
MNA Naeema Kishwer also raised concerns, saying cigarette smoke was creating difficulties for women lawmakers in offering prayers, making it difficult for them to breathe comfortably during worship.
Responding to the complaints, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said smoking was already prohibited in public places and that a designated area had been allocated for smoking within Parliament House. He directed that it be ensured that smoking was not allowed anywhere in the parliamentary building except in the designated area.
Meanwhile, responding to points raised by different members in the National Assembly, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said that the government is prioritizing the development of Balochistan. He said that Rs 200 have been allocated in the development budget for projects in Balochistan, describing it as the highest allocation for any province.
The Minister for Planning announced that an additional 5000 scholarships would be awarded to students from Balochistan and the tribal districts under the second phase of the programme, enabling them to pursue education at leading universities. He emphasized that education is the key to overcoming backwardness.
He also informed the House that the government would launch a solarization project in the tribal districts. In addition, a programme would be introduced to equip young people in these areas with digital skills.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026