Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday informed the Senate that the government was making all out efforts to address security and economic challenges confronted to the country.
Winding up debate on a motion moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz about fall out of the recent war and the government plans to reduce expenditure and other measures to steer the economy out of the crises, he said that Pakistan’s successful diplomacy, anti-terror operations and economic management amid regional tensions had enhanced the country’s global standing.
He said Pakistan’s role in promoting peace during the ongoing Iran-US tensions was being acknowledged internationally and both countries had expressed confidence in Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
The Minister said the ongoing US-Iran tension had affected global economies, particularly countries dependent on oil routes linked to the Strait of Hormuz, including Pakistan.
He said Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, was personally monitoring the situation and remained concerned over increasing petroleum prices and their impact on the common man. However, he said that the government was trying to minimize the burden on citizens while also fulfilling commitments under the International Monetary Fund programme.
The minister said the federal cabinet had voluntarily surrendered salaries, fuel allowances and luxury vehicles as part of austerity measures. Ministers and parliamentarians travelling abroad on official visits were bearing their expenses personally, he added.
He also paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices, particularly mentioning ‘Marka-e-Haq and “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.
Responding to concerns raised about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, he said all medical facilities were being provided in accordance with jail rules and immediate treatment was ensured whenever any medical emergency occurred.
Regarding terrorism, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said intelligence-based operations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border had reduced terrorism incidents by nearly 60 to 70 percent. Terrorists were now targeting soft civilian locations after failing to attack hard targets, he added.
Paying tribute to police and law enforcement personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, he said the entire nation stood with the families of martyrs and security forces fighting terrorism.
Referring to Pakistani medical students studying abroad, he said nearly 1,200 students were facing issues related to recognition and registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). He assured the House that the government would take up the matter with the PMDC.
He also urged the opposition to present constructive and fact-based budget proposals, assuring that positive recommendations would be incorporated into the upcoming federal budget.
Earlier, the minister offered Fateha for security personnel and civilians martyred in recent terrorist incidents.
Later, the Senate session adjourned to meet again on Tuesday at 4 pm.