ISLAMABAD   -  Responding to points raised by Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif in the National Assembly, the Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar said the government had successfully reduced current account deficit, increased exports, strengthened industry and agriculture and provided relief to the people in the time of Covid-19 pandemic. He said massive relief was given to the people through Ehsaas programme, provided subsidy on essential items through Utility Stores, reduced policy rate from 13 per cent to seven percent. Asad Umar said foreign remittances grew by 29.4 percent, which reflects overseas Pakistanis’ confidence in Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Talking about revenue collection, the Minister said it witnessed a growth of 17.9 per cent from July to May and total collection by the end of this fiscal year is expected to reach 4.8 trillion rupees. He said IT exports raised by 46 percent, which is unprecedented in the history of Pakistan.

Regarding construction of water reservoirs and other irrigation projects, Asad Umar said work is underway on three big dams and several irrigation projects in all the provinces to provide sufficient quantity of water for the agriculture sector.

The Minister said the government has launched a mother-child nutrition program for the better health of the coming generation.  He said the government is also working on providing universal health coverage through Sehat Insaf Card. Talking about Covid-19, he said the vaccine will be administered to the people free of cost.

Meanwhile, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser constituted a twelve-member parliamentary Committee to review Opposition’s objections on bills passed on 10th of this month by the National Assembly. He said the committee will consists of six members each from the treasury and the Opposition side. The Speaker said that it has also been agreed that no personal attack or unlawful disturbance will be allowed in the House.