ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) in Wednesday’s budget session surprisingly welcomed the Prime Minister’s offer for dialogue with the government. The opposition party had earlier twice strongly rejected the offer for a dialogue without sharing any particular reason.
Background of the Dialogue Offer
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the floor of the House, over a year ago offered the main opposition party to sit with the government to amicably resolve issues. However, former opposition leader Omar Ayub plainly refused the offer. The offer was repeated after a gap of six months, but the opposition party was not ready to sit with the government.
PTI's Response in Budget Session
In yesterday’s proceedings, PTI’s Chairman Barrister Gohar, in his budget speech, welcomed the offer for dialogues and questioned why the proposed negotiations had been delayed. Sharing some demands, he said his party had only sought access to incarcerated former Prime Minister and party leader. He also called for reinstatement of party member Iqbal Afridi, who was suspended by Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq for the whole budget session due to misconduct and other charges.
Gohar stressed the need to strengthen parliament by proposing both sides sign a memorandum committing to parliamentary supremacy and mutual respect. He also asked both sides to demonstrate tolerance.
Budget Rejection and Demands
About the budgetary proposal, Gohar strongly rejected the federal budget. “Our party will not support the government’s fiscal proposals, as the government has not provided relief to the poor,” he said. He believed electricity and medicines would become more expensive after the budget. He also asked the government to amend relevant laws to ensure Pakistan maintains a 90-day strategic petroleum reserve.
Government's Response
Earlier, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain lauded the measures announced in the budget for the next financial year. “It is the priority of the government to enhance agri productivity and enhance profitability of farmers. The government has ensured stability in the supply and prices of Urea. PARC is being transformed with the cooperation of China,” he said.
PPP’s MNA Shazia Marri said the PPP has always moved forward in accordance with the spirit of Charter of Democracy. She welcomed the increase in the budget of Benazir Income Support Program. Other lawmakers from treasury proposed the government reduce unnecessary expenditures to enhance the size of federal PSDP.
