Resolution presented in NA for formation of commission to probe rigging

ISLAMABAD: A resolution was presented in the National Assembly on Tuesday for the formation of an investigative commission to probe rigging allegations during the July 25 polls.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi presented the resolution which is being currently discussed by parliamentary members.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Shazia Marri took to the floor and recommended that the government and opposition should have equal representation in the commission.

"The leader of the opposition in NA should chair the commission to ensure the probe is transparent,” she added.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khurram Dastgir echoed similar sentiments and demanded that leader of the opposition in NA be made head of the commission.

In response, FM Qureshi said, "We do not want to keep anything hidden. It is the opposition’s right to protest and their reservations have been registered.”

Asking the leader of the opposition in NA to present his viewpoint, Qureshi said, "Transparent elections are essential for democracy.” Further, he assured that the commission will be empowered.

"We have to move forward despite our differences,” he asserted.

NA Speaker Asad Qaiser is chairing the session which is attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan, federal cabinet members and leaders of opposition parties.
PM Imran addresses NA

Prime Minister Imran Khan while taking to the floor defended the government’s decision to grant citizenship to all Afghan and Bengali children born in the country.
Mini budget to be presented

The government is expected to present the “mini budget” after it was approved by the federal cabinet earlier today.

It is expected that new taxes, including super tax, worth Rs158 billion will be levied.

The development budget will be reduced by Rs450 billion and recommendations in this regard are in their final phase, sources said.

Sources further said, “The amendments in Finance Act 2018 should bring down the budget deficit from 6.6 per cent to 5 per cent.”

For the budget deficit to be decreased, it is necessary that expenditure is brought down from Rs608 billion which is why new taxes are being levied and development budget is reduced, sources added.

The budget also includes recommendations to lower the income tax exemption slab. The exemption limit will be lowered to Rs0.8 million per year from the existing Rs1.2million per year, sources said.

Further, the tax exemption slab for other incomes will also be changed accordingly.