National Assembly resumed its session at the parliament house in Islamabad today (Saturday) with Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the chair.

Speaking during the budget discussion Defense Minister Khawaja Asif expressed solidarity with Iran.

He said Pakistan will safeguard Iran’s interests at all international forums including the United Nations.

Condemning Israeli attack on Iran, the Defense Minister said Iran is our neighbour and a fraternal country.  He suggested that a meeting of the OIC should be convened, emphasizing the need for an initiative that manifests the unity of Muslim Ummah.

The Defense Minister said that Pakistan stands firm on its traditional stance, as it has neither recognized Israel nor established relations with it.

Alluding to the recent Indian aggression against Pakistan, the Defense Minister said India had to pay a heavy price for it, and its global aura collapsed. He said the strength and resolve of our armed forces and people forced the five times bigger enemy to bite the dust. He said Pakistan was and is fully equipped to defend itself and the entire nation stands by their armed forces.

He also highlighted the sacrifices of security forces in the war against terrorism, expressing the firm confidence that Pakistan will also win the fight against terrorism.

On the economic front, the Defense Minister expressed satisfaction over improved economic indicators. He said the international financial institutions are expressing confidence that the country's economy is on the right track.

He was confident that Pakistan will emerge as a robust economy in the coming years.  

Participating in the debate, Mirza Ikhtiar Baig opposed the increase in withholding tax on markup, terming it unjust for the people having savings accounts. He also opposed tax on solar panels.  

Asad Qaiser opposed the proposed sales tax on merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from next year, and asked for withdrawing this tax.  He also called for determining a minimum support price for tobacco to provide relief to tobacco growers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Farooq Sattar demanded reduction in prices of electricity and gas.

Taking the floor, Syed Naveed Qamar recommended reviewing the energy and agriculture policies, and emphasized providing more relief to farmers.

Zartaj Gul Wazir called for more focus on allocations for human rights and empowerment of women and youth in the budget.

Jamal Shah Kakar commended the budget as favorable, and emphasized the need to ensure that allocation for Balochistan is used transparently so its benefits reach every nook and corner of the province.

Syeda Shehla Raza suggested that budget should be spent on improving facilities and standard of education in existing universities instead of establishing new ones. She appreciated that the tax exemption slab on cash withdrawals has been increased to 75,000 rupees from 50,000.