Amid criticism by opposition, NA okays Finance Bill 2020-21.

ISLAMABAD: Amid strong criticism by the opposition parties, the National Assembly on Monday passed the federal budget for fiscal year 2020-21 with a majority vote.

Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar moved the Finance Bill 2020 to give effect to the financial proposals of the federal government for the year beginning on the first day of July 2020 and to amend certain laws. The House passed the Finance Bill 2020 after voting along with amendments. Prime Minister Imran Khan also attended the sitting and witnessed the process of passage of the bill.

As the process began, the speaker said that any amendment to remove an entire clause will not be acceptable. He made the statement after PPP's Shazia Mari proposed amendment to remove an entire clause. After approval of the budget, the House adjourned the session until 11am on Tuesday (today).

The opposition had agreed to build a united front against the budget and made fiery speeches on national issues during the Monday's session. PML-N leader Khawaja Asif also had a verbal spat with Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry. In his speech, Kh Asif criticised the prime minister for calling Osama Bin Laden a martyr. "May Allah save us from terrorists and their supporters."

Fawad Chaudhry, however, interrupted the former defence minister's speech by asking him to cut it short. "I will say such a thing about you that you will find it difficult to remain seated in this House," said the PML-N lawmaker. Following the debacle, Chaudhry asked the NA speaker to make Asif rescind his statement and apologise.

During his speech, Asif, referring to terrorist attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, said the country is united...