Dual Nationality Concerns Raised in Senate

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) disclosed to the Senate on Wednesday that approximately 2,500 government officials, including four federal secretaries, possess dual citizenship.

During the budget discussion, PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan mentioned his proposed bill in the Senate aimed at preventing civil servants from holding dual nationality. Although the Senate committee has already given its approval, the bill is still awaiting consideration by the entire Senate.

Senator Afnan questioned the commitment of individuals holding citizenship in multiple countries. Referring to a recent situation involving foreign operatives in Iran, he suggested the possibility of similar risks in Pakistan and stressed the importance of taking action to prevent potential harm.

Opposition’s Critique of Budget and Economic Policies

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) legislator Quratul-Ain Marri criticized the budget, arguing that the government’s dealings with allies have been ineffective. She urged the government to reassess its approach and engage with allies genuinely.

Senator Marri voiced concerns about the agriculture sector, stating that despite its importance to the economy, the budget lacks support for farmers and long-term plans to increase crop yields. She also criticized the imposition of taxes on solar panels and electric cars, which impact low-income individuals. She emphasized the need for climate change prioritization, including sufficient planning and budgetary allocations.

Government’s Defense and Economic Outlook

PML-N Senator Pervaiz Rashid defended the budget, highlighting the stability in prices and availability of goods post-budget presentation. He noted that the financial market has shown confidence in the budget, as reflected in the stock market’s performance. He emphasized that the budget was created amidst significant difficulties, and Pakistan has ultimately succeeded.

Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) parliamentary leader Manzoor Ahmad Kakar expressed disappointment over the absence of a long-term strategy to address Pakistan’s economic difficulties, debt, and poverty. However, he acknowledged the positive impact of budgetary measures for the construction sector and advocated for increased relief for the poor.

Additional Concerns and Recommendations

PPP’s Palwasha Khan opposed the increase in direct and indirect taxes, warning it would burden the salaried class. She also voiced concerns about the tax on e-commerce income, suggesting it could negatively impact small businesses and home-based entrepreneurs.

BAP’s Senator Danesh Kumar requested increased budgetary allocations for minorities and expressed gratitude to the provincial governments for supporting minorities and their religious sites.

PML-N’s Kamil Ali Agha criticized the powers granted to the Federal Board of Revenue and emphasized the need to protect taxpayers’ dignity. He also suggested a salary increase of up to 25% for government employees.

Senator Fawzia Arshad called for providing maximum relief to the general public, who are already under financial strain, and proposed rainwater harvesting in the capital. The Senate session is scheduled to resume on Thursday morning.