ISLAMABAD. Despite stiff resistance from the opposition members, the national assembly committee on Finance on Monday cleared the proposed mini budget here. This is the first step towards clearance of the controversial amendments in the Finance Bill 2021. The national assembly committee’s nod to the amendments in the Finance Bill 2021 has brought the government closer to get its approval from the parliament.
Finance minister, Shaukat Tarin , and Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Baqar Raza, briefed the committee on the pros and cons of the proposed amended Finance Bill 2021. Shaukat Tarin clarified to the committee that the impression that the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) government has compromised on the sovergnity of the country by accepting the demands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was incorrect . He said ” There is no question of compromising on national financial sovergnity in the agreed terms and conditions with IMF”.
The opposition members seemed dissatisfied with the clarification of the Finance minister. Ahsin Iqbal of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) raised many serious questions over the bill and warned to the treasury members of its far-reaching impact on Pakistan ‘s national security. He also expressed dissatisfaction over salary package and dual nationality of the governor SBP.
At one point of the meeting, Ahsin Iqbal told to Shaukat Tarin not to turn the parliamentary committee into a forum for emotional debates.