ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stressed the necessity of taking decisive action against those responsible for the illegal transportation of people abroad on Monday. The minister publicly lamented the tragic deaths of Pakistani migrants in a recent boat accident off the coast of Greece while speaking to the National Assembly.
Minister Asif emphasized that numerous families were currently going through tremendous grief as a result of the incident in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Gujrat. In order to stop this illegal activity, he urged the government and opposition parties to work together to take strong action against human traffickers.
While acknowledging the arrest of some individuals within the country, Asif stressed that these human trafficking networks also exist in various other countries.
He urged international cooperation to effectively combat this issue.
To demonstrate solidarity with the bereaved families affected by the boat tragedy, the nation observed a day of mourning.
Additionally, Khawaja Asif once again offered his sincere apologies to the Vice Chancellors for using an inappropriate word during his speech in the National Assembly.
He expressed deep respect for teachers and educational institutions, highlighting his personal connections with those who had provided him an education.
However, he lamented the prevalent corruption within society, describing it as an unfortunate and accepted norm.
While participating in the budget debate, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Shahnaz Saleem Malik said the government had presented a balanced budget in the face of difficult economic situation.
She said reduction in the prices of petroleum products had provided relief to the people.
Pakistan People Party Nafeesa Shah said political stability was a must to ensure economic stability in the country.
She emphasized for the economy of charter to steer the country in the right direction.
As regards the budget, she said it envisaged incentives for the SMEs and the IT sector while raise in salaries had been given to the employees.
Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf Asiya Azeem emphasized for enhancing the budgetary allocations for the education sector, adding it was important to take the country forward on the path of development.
Balochistan National Party Muhammad Hashim Notezai observed that development schemes of Balochistan province had been ignored in the budget.
He said the ongoing schemes in the province must be completed on fast track basis.
Waheed Alam appreciated the increase in pension of EOBI and the minimum wage to thirty two thousand rupees.
