The National Assembly is continuing discussion on the budget for next financial year.

Participating in the discussion in the House, Jawed Hanif welcomed twenty percent increase in the defence budget, emphasizing that the armed forces should be provided with all the necessary resources in view of the hostile posture of India.

Abdul Qadir Patel said the enhanced powers granted to income tax officers will discourage investment in the country.

Usman Badini emphasized the need for the development of Balochistan. He said connectivity projects in the province should be prioritized.

Anjum Aqeel mentioned that tax has been reduced in the budget for the low income classes. He said salaries of employees have been enhanced by ten percent and the pension by seven percent.

Khurshid Junejo said agriculture is the backbone of our economy. He emphasized that farmers should be supported to enhance the production of major crops.

Hameed Hussain said Daanish schools should be established in backward areas such as merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Raja Khurram Nawaz said that sanitation and sewerage services should be provided in rural areas. He also called for addressing the problem of water shortage in Islamabad.

Asad Alam Niazi asked the government to withdraw the imposition of eighteen percent tax on solar panels.

Riaz Fatyana said public transport should be encouraged to improve the living standards of the people. He also advocated for the establishment of youth centers to support and empower young people.

Arshad Abdullah Vohra said more funds should be allocated in the budget for the completion of K-IV Water Project.

Ali Zahid said the government has presented a balanced and pro-people budget. He also highlighted that electricity prices have been reduced and the inflation rate has dropped to four percent.

Shehryar Afridi emphasized the need for promoting Islamic banking in the country. He said focus should be laid on the skills development of the youth.

Participating in the discussion, Aasia Ishaque was appreciative of the government for bringing down inflation and fiscal deficit.

Sher Afzal Marwat said the budget of education and health should be enhanced, emphasizing this is important to take the country forward on the path of economic development.

Mahesh Kumar Malani said focus should be given on the development of backward areas.

Mubarak Zeb demanded probing the recent attacks on his residence. He also called for bringing the culprits involved in the assassination of his brother to justice.

Ms. Farrukh Khan congratulated the government and its economic team for presenting a balanced and good budget. She, however, proposed to withdraw tax on the import of solar panels. She called for taking steps to ensure women empowerment in the country.

Kiran Haider described the budget as the foundation stone for the development, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood suggested the government to enhance allocations for the agriculture sector.

The newly elected Member of National Assembly Saba Talpur took oath of office today.

Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah administered the oath. 

Nelson Azeem proposed to enhance tax on fizzy drinks and the revenue collected from this should be spent on the promotion of education in the country.

Those who spoke on the occasion include Rana Atif, Nabeel Gabol, Shahid Khattak, Mehreen Bhutto, Sabeen Ghauri, Awn Chaudhry, Shabbir Ali Qureshi, Muhammad Bashir Khan, and Nisar Ahmed.

The House will now meet at 11 a.m. tomorrow.