ISLAMABAD: The PML-N legislators in the National Assembly on Wednesday rejected the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s resolution against US President Donald Trump’s ban on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries.
The resolution, presented by Dr Arif Alvi, Shireen Mazari, Asad Umer and backed by other opposition parties, called for Pakistan to officially raise the issue at different international forums. They highlighted the fact that people all over the world were out on the streets protesting the Trump administration’s move. They also said the least the government could do as a Muslim country was call the US ambassador and inform him about the nation’s stance.
The resolution read that the Trump administration’s move to ban immigrants and refugees from seven different Muslim countries was a violation of human rights and racist in nature.
However, Deputy Speaker Javed Abbasi could not let the PTI leaders submit the resolution and told them that the resolution could only be accepted if it was brought to him in accordance with NA rules.
The legislators passed a unanimous resolution condemning terrorist attack on Islamic Cultural Centre in Québec City of Canada targeting innocent Muslims resulting in loss of six precious lives and injuring others. The resolution moved by Law Minister Zahid Hamid expressed deepest condolences to the grieving families. The resolution expressed solidarity with the government and people of Canada and praised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for condemning the incident and reaffirming the government’s resolve to provide protection to the Muslims in the country.
To another call attention notice moved by PPP lawmaker Shazia Marri and others regarding alleged harassment of female anchors in PTV Network, State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb told the House that an inquiry committee was formed to investigate the matter. She said the committee had submitted its report and it would be implemented. She claimed that the government had zero tolerance against sexual harassment of women at workplace. She assured the House that there would be no bias towards women.
The House passed five bills. These include “The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Bill, 2017”, “The Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils (Amendment) Bill, 2016”, “The Companies (Appointment of Legal Advisors) (Amendment) Bill, 2016”, “The Explosive Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2016” and “The Limited Liabilities Partnership Bill, 2016”.
To a call attention notice regarding charging of 16.50 percent markup by Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited from the farmers, Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Rana Afzal said the figures were not correct. He said there were three categories of agriculture sector loans. He said, “Under Kisan Dost Scheme, the loan was being provided at 12.5 markup rate. Production loan was also being given on the same rate. The development loans were being provided at the rate of 14.8 percent markup.”
Afzal added that the matter had been referred to the relevant committee and its recommendations would be considered to reduce the markup rate. He said agriculture was the backbone of the country’s economy.
He said GDP growth had increased from 3.4 percent to 5.4 percent during the last three years.
