During a National Assembly session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, four demands for grants related to the Interior Division, totaling over Rs 74.35 billion, were approved. These approvals came despite the opposition submitting 123 cut motions against the Interior Division’s budget, which were rejected by a majority vote.
The session involved the consideration of 10 demands for grants across three ministries, amounting to more than Rs 1,242 billion. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented four demands for the Interior Division, valued at over Rs 349 billion, seeking parliamentary approval. Following a debate on the opposition’s cut motions, the ruling coalition sanctioned grants worth over Rs 74.35 billion for the Interior Division.
In addition, three demands for grants from the National Food Security Division, totaling over Rs 33.7 billion, were also tabled. The opposition submitted 112 cut motions on this budget, and discussions on these motions are still underway.
During the debate on the Interior Division’s budget, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar emphasized his party’s commitment to national unity. He urged members to rise above personal differences for the country’s benefit, recalling efforts to foster cooperation, including a handshake between Mahmood Achakzai and the Prime Minister. Barrister Gohar criticized the government for alleged human rights violations and lawlessness over the past four years, highlighting the sentencing of PTI members such as Yasmin Rashid and Ejaz Chaudhry.
He also pointed out that promised amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) had yet to be implemented, urging patience for the situation following the events of May 9 to calm down.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar responded by noting his multiple visits to Barrister Gohar’s seat and mentioned that a comprehensive draft of criminal law amendments had been introduced in the Assembly. This draft, currently with the standing committee, contains non-political changes. Addressing concerns about the sentencing of PTI leaders, the Law Minister clarified that these verdicts were issued by the courts independently, with no government involvement.
