The National Assembly lawmakers on Tuesday expressed serious concern regarding the agriculture sector of the country, saying that if concerted efforts were not made for the uplift of the sector, the farmers would not be able to survive.
The lower house session was presided over by newly elected Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.
Speaking on a point of order, Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) urged the government to announce incentives for the agriculture sector. "Sincere efforts should be made to address the problems of the farmers."
Another PML-N MNA, Shaikh Rohail Asghar, congratulated Ashraf on being elected, advising him to take steps for the supremacy of parliament.
PML-N’s Rana Muhammad Ishaq Khan said it was the prime responsibility of the government to give due attention to improving the agriculture sector, keeping in view the hardships being faced by the farmers. “There should be a smooth supply of fertiliser to the farmers who are playing a crucial role in strengthening the national economy.”
Dr Muhammad Afzal Khan Dhandla of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said farmers of the country had been ignored by the past government that failed to provide fertiliser to them at cheaper rates.
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Mehar Irshad Ahmad Khan of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) urged the government to take the required measures to tap into the true potential of the agriculture sector, suggesting forming a parliamentary committee for the uplift the sector that was considered the backbone of the national economy.
Speaking on a point of order, PML-N’s Ali Gohar Khan Baloch congratulated the Ashraf on assuming the office of the National Assembly speaker.
“Former deputy speaker Qaism Khan Suri bulldozed the entire legislation during his tenure and passed many bills despite the non-presence of the required members,” he said, adding that the PTI had resorted to politics of agitation and wanted to push the country towards anarchy.
He alleged that former prime minister Imran Khan was imposed through a conspiracy. The then prime minister Nawaz Sharif conducted nuclear tests in 1998 by refusing $5 billion package offered by the then US President Bill Clinton, he added.
Balochistan National Party-Mengal MNA Dr Shahnaz Naseer Baloch said the coalition government should also join hands to address the host of problems being faced by the people of Balochistan.
“The past government has miserably failed to deliver in all sectors despite tall claims,” she said.
The speaker adjourned the session till Wednesday (today).
A three-point agenda has been issued, which includes the election of the deputy speaker.
Taking oath of the deputy speaker after being elected is also part of the agenda.
(With input from APP)
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