NA continues discussion on federal budget.

ISLAMABAD -- National Assembly on Thursday continued discussion on the federal budget for next fiscal year.

Participating in the debate, Amir Dogar said a balanced budget has been presented for the next fiscal year in face of the challenge posed by COVID-19.

He expressed the confidence the government will deliver on its promises as per the expectations of the masses. He said it is the first time that the health budget has been doubled to 115 billion rupees.

Ahsan Iqbal said a national effort is required to revive the economy as no single party can tackle the current challenges. He said the economic targets set for the next year are unrealistic. He said the growth cannot be achieved by cutting the development outlay. He said we need to invest in science and technology to take forward the country.

Jai Parkash was appreciative of the 1200 billion rupees stimulus package given by government to support different segments of the society amidst Covid-19. He condemned the atrocities unleashed by the Modi government against Muslims in India and occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Rao Muhammad Ajmal said the agriculture sector should be supported to ensure food security in these difficult times. He said aircraft and other equipment should immediately be procured to fight locusts. He said apart from reducing input costs of the farmers, support price should be announced for the major crops.

Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services Dr Nausheen Hamid commended the government for giving importance to the health sector in the budget. She said there are currently 129 laboratories across the country where the testing capacity for Coronavirus has significantly been enhanced.

Nasir Iqbal said relief should be provided to farmers to enhance the agriculture yield.

Shandana Gulzar...