Budget termed first step to put country on track

Minister says concerns raised by critics will be addressed next year

LAHORE:

Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman concluded a five-day general discussion on the annual budget 2023-24 in Punjab Assembly, asserting that it marked the first step by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government towards steering the country in the right direction.

Addressing queries from lawmakers, the finance minister assured them that the budget had been meticulously crafted to encompass all sectors, with particular emphasis on education and health, which are among the top priorities of the PML-N.

He also pledged that the upcoming budget would address concerns raised by critics, promising significant allocations to rectify the deteriorated state of sectors neglected during the previous regime.

Criticising the tenure of former prime minister Imran Khan, Rehman alleged that funds were misappropriated under the guise of various projects, instead of being utilised to improve the livelihoods of the impoverished masses.

He emphasised that the PML-N was committed to turning possibilities into realities, pledging relentless efforts to uplift the impoverished masses from their current predicament.

During the House proceedings, the Opposition's demand for details of any new FIRs registered against former PTI minister Mian Aslam Iqbal was accepted, addressing concerns over transparency and accountability. However, their request for assurances that he would neither be arrested nor abducted was overlooked, sparking further debate and contention.

Prior to the finance minister's concluding speech, the Opposition continued to highlight perceived shortcomings in the budget, while the treasury, although initially applauding the budget, also hinted at the need for greater emphasis on different sectors to ensure comprehensive development and progress.

Opposition leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar raised concerns over the lack of a protection order for their elected MPA Ahmed Rasheed Bhatti, underscoring the importance of ensuring the safety and security of elected representatives.

Additionally, he urged the Speaker to facilitate Mian Aslam Iqbal's oath-taking in the assembly, stressing the significance of upholding democratic processes and principles.

Meanwhile, Rana Aftab of the SIC expressed apprehensions about Iqbal's potential arrest and sought assurances from the deputy speaker that he would not be detained if he attended the assembly.

However, the Deputy Speaker refrained from providing such assurances during the session proceedings, prompting further uncertainty and discontent among opposition members.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2024.