June 26, 2003	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 25,1424

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QUETTA, June 25: Opposition members on Wednesday criticized the provincial budget but Pakistan Muslim League-Q legislators welcomed the government’s plans to set up an Islamic University besides allocating funds for religious institutions.

Speaker Jamal Shah Kakar presided over the session here.

Shafique Ahmed Khan of the People’s Party Parliamentarians criticized the government, saying that Quetta city had been ignored while allocating funds for development schemes despite the fact that the metropolis accommodated more than 1.6 million people from various areas of the province.

Stressing the need to develop the Spin Karez waterway, he said that if the government had given proper attention, the city’s water problem would have been resolved.

He also expressed unsatisfaction over the law and order situation in the city.

Rahila Durrani of the PML-Q, while urging the opposition to accept what she termed pro-people measures, lauded the government’s efforts for enhancing health sector allocations by 500 per cent, its intention to establish a women’s university, increase government employees’ salary and plans to set up Balochistan bank.

She also welcomed the establishment of an Islamic University and allocation funds for religious institutions, adding that land should be allocated for graveyards as people were facing difficulties in this regard.

Naseem Turyala of the Pukhtun Milli Awami Party criticized the federal government’s attitude towards provision of funds to the province, saying that Pukthun area in Balochistan had been neglected in the mega projects.

Naseem Turyala was also critical of the $100 million loan obtained for resource development, saying that Balochistan was already burdened by loans, adding that the government should pay more attention towards development-oriented schemes capable of generating revenue for province.

Akhtar Hussain Langoo of the Balochistan National Party- Mengal criticized the provincial government, saying it had been unable to present a proper case for the rights of the people of Balochistan, adding that the province had been deprived of its fair share in the National Finance Commission.

PML-Q’s Ambrose John expressed the hope that the minority community would be treated without discrimination.

Dr Shama Ishaque of the BNM said that it was difficult to understand the meaning of a tax-free budget when the people were already overburdened by taxes and inflation. Later, the session was adjourned till Thursday afternoon.