Aurangzeb expresses satisfaction over improved economic signs

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed satisfaction over improved economic indicators including increase in foreign exchange reserves and reduction in inflation and policy rate.

Winding up discussion on Cut Motions moved by opposition on Demands for Grants pertaining to the Finance and Revenue Division for the next financial year in the National Assembly on Wednesday, he Minister mentioned that independent surveys are also acknowledging increase in business activities and investor business confidence in the country.

The Finance Minister said there will be less than two percent increase in the federal expenditures for the next fiscal year as compared to ten to thirteen percent increase in previous years. He also mentioned the ongoing reforms in FBR saying these are aimed at ensuring transparency.

Fourteen Demands for Grants pertaining to finance and revenue for the next fiscal year have been approved by the House. Cut Motions moved by the opposition on these demands and grants were rejected by the house.

Earlier, at the outset, the House offered fateha for Shaheed Major Syed Moiz Abbas and Shaheed Lance Naik Jibran Ullah, who embraced martyrdom during an operation against terrorists in South Waziristan.

Later, the House has also approved five Demands for Grants pertaining to the Human Rights Division for the next financial year.

Cut Motions moved by the opposition on these Demands for Grants were rejected by the House.

Winding up discussion on Cut Motions moved by the opposition pertaining to the Human Rights Division, Minister for Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar said a cluster of human rights organizations has granted “A” status to the National Commission for Human Rights Pakistan for the first time in the history of the country.

He said effective legislation has been made to protect women, children and minorities rights.

The House approved six Demands for Grants pertaining to the Interior Division for the next financial year.

Cut Motions moved by the opposition on these demands for grants were rejected by the house.

Winding up discussion on the Cut Motions moved by the opposition, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said now the Pakistani passport contains international features, preventing chances of making fake passports.

He said Pakistan’s international airports and seaports are well connected with an AI system to ensure that no individual can go abroad without having valid visa and legal documents.