ISLAMABAD-The Senate has expressed its deep gratitude to the President Dr Arif Alvi's address to both the Houses assembled together on 12 September last year.
The motion to this effect was moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan.
Winding up discussion, Leader of the House in the Senate Dr. Shahzad Waseem said Prime Minister Imran Khan successfully broke the two-party system in Pakistan even before coming to power. He said stabilizing precarious economy of the country, bring out Pakistan from international isolation, checking corruption and reforming institutions were other challenges to the new government. He said Imran Khan-led dispensation took measures on war footing basis to improve economy as a result of which 17 percent increase in tax revenue was witnessed as well as Foreign Direct Investment.
Regarding relief measures taken by the government, Dr Shahzad Waseem said economic stimulus package was given to support poor people in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. He said for the first time, mortgage financing has been introduced in the country to provide housing to common people at five to seven percent interest rate.
The Leader of the House said work on mega hydel projects was started in Pakistan after six decades.
Dr Shahzad Waseem said Imran Khan vociferously raised issues relating to Kashmir, Islamophobia, and sanctity of the Prophethood at the United Nations and other world forums.
Highlighting Pakistan's achievements on the diplomatic front, Dr Shahzad Waseem said Islamabad played a role of facilitator instead of taking sides when it comes to relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran. He said Pakistan is also playing a leading role in Afghan Peace Process.
Earlier, taking part in the discussion, Senator Sherry Rehman said the entire Pakistani nation is standing united with the people of Kashmir against Indian oppression.
She said Kashmir is a disputed territory as per UN resolutions, but the New Delhi regime granted domicile to 25,000 non-Kashmiris, which is condemnable. She said PPP wants unity over Kashmir and COVID-19 pandemic.
Javed Abbasi said it is regrettable that we failed to garner support from the Muslim Ummah over the illegal annexation of Occupied Kashmir by the Indian Government last year.
Javed Abbasi said it seems strange that the debate on Presidential address is being organized after the lapse of almost the whole year. He proposed that a special session be convened to discuss the Presidential address to evolve a comprehensive strategy and provide guidance to the government to improve governance.
Senator Sirajul Haq stressed the need for formulating an effective foreign policy to highlight Kashmir issue at the global level. He demanded of the government to provide jobs and justice and other facilities to the people as per its election manifesto.
Senator Mian Attique Shaikh said the government exposed Indian atrocities against innocent civilians in occupied Kashmir.
Waleed Iqbal paid rich tribute to the personnel of Pakistan Army and Law Enforcement Agencies, who sacrificed their precious lives in the defence of their motherland. He said these sacrifices restored peace in the country.
Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said the government should focus on resolving issues being faced by masses.
Senator Usman Khan Kakar said inflation is increasing in the country owing to which people are facing lot of difficulties. He said, today, the media workers are being deprived of employment. He said load shedding is also continuing in different parts of the country. He said the government should pay attention to make lives of people easier by providing them all the required facilities.
Meanwhile, The Covid-19 (Prevention of Hoarding) Ordinance, 2020 was laid before the House.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan laid the ordinance before the House.
The House also offered fateha for the departed souls of martyred security personnel, who sacrificed their lives for the defence of the motherland. Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri led the fateha.
The House will now meet on Friday at 10:30 a.m.