Opening debate, opposition member Ehsanul Haq Naulatia observed that small cities were being neglected and funds allocated for their development were being diverted to big cities.
Maj Abdur Rehman Rana (retd) stressed the need for making a House's standing committee on budget to make more effective. He suggested that to alleviate poverty the government must conduct a survey and make fair utilisation of development funds to smaller cities.
Treasury member Mian Naveed Anjum stressed upon the construction of Kalabagh Dam to meet future energy needs.
PML-Q's Mohsin Khan Leghari said affluent must pay taxes. He wanted strict penalties for tax evaders.
The debate was continued when the chair adjourned the session for Thursday.