Pakistan emerges as ‘Ambassador of Peace’: Azhar Qayyum Nahra

ISLAMABAD, Jun 17 (APP): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Azhar Qayyum Nahra on Wednesday said Pakistan has emerged as a “Ambassador of Peace” in the world, crediting the country’s leadership and institutions for the achievement.

Speaking in the National Assembly during the budget debate, he expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty, saying Pakistan’s progress and growing international respect were the result of consistent efforts for peace, brotherhood, and stability.

He extended congratulations to the country’s leadership, including PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, fellow lawmakers, and the people of Pakistan living across the world.

Referring to recent economic and policy developments, he said the government deserved appreciation for taking difficult decisions under challenging circumstances and for introducing relief measures aimed at reducing the burden on the public.

He added that steps such as tax adjustments, including relief in super tax and property-related taxes, were positive for the business community and the overall economy.

However, Nahra stressed that the agriculture sector required greater attention, noting that while lawmakers had acknowledged farmers’ issues during the debate, the relief provided so far remained insufficient.

He said farmers, being the backbone of the economy, should receive stronger support compared to other sectors, as their prosperity directly impacts national economic stability.

He called for a more effective and transparent mechanism to ensure that announced relief packages worth hundreds of billions of rupees reach farmers on the ground.

He also suggested that instead of focusing mainly on tractor subsidies, greater emphasis should be placed on fertiliser subsidies to benefit a larger number of rural households.

Nahra proposed the formation of a parliamentary committee, including members from both sides of the House, to engage with government authorities before the final passage of the budget to address lawmakers’ concerns.

Highlighting rising energy costs, he urged the government to provide immediate relief in electricity and fuel prices for farmers, particularly during the ongoing agricultural season.

He also recommended promoting solar energy solutions for agricultural use to reduce dependence on expensive electricity and diesel.

He added that timely reduction in input costs would help farmers complete cultivation activities smoothly and strengthen rural economic activity across the country.

Azhar Qayyum Nahra expressed hope that the government would seriously consider lawmakers’ recommendations and incorporate further improvements in the budget in the interest of farmers and the wider public.