KARACHI, June 6: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Chief Minister Dr Arbab Rahim have welcomed the federal budget and described it as people-friendly. Dr Ibad termed the budget ‘historical’, saying it depicted people’s aspirations.

In a statement, he said it would help provide relief to common man, foster inter-provincial harmony, ensure better utilisation of resources and strengthen the country’s solidarity.

The governor said that the budget was an important step towards continuity of President Pervez Musharraf’s reforms programme and his mission to control inflation and alleviate poverty.

He especially appreciated the measures proposed in the budget to get the nation rid of foreign debts, provide relief to government employees and pensioners, the increase in the relief amount for their daughters’ marriage and the facilities for rural areas.

He said provision of jobs and paying special attention to higher and technical education were among the commendable features of the budget.

He congratulated Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and his cabinet for announcing a historical budget, and hoped that it would carry forward the mission to facilitate common man.

The Chief Minister described the budget as ‘revolutionary’ and ‘poor-friendly’.

“It would help alleviate poverty and raise the standard of living of common man,” he remarked.

Dr Arbab referred to the poor state of economy before President Pervez Musharraf took over the country, and said that because of the successful policies pursued by him and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, the country today had become economically stronger and stable.

He said the measures pledged in the budget would help control price spiral.

Dr Arbab pointed out that a record number of development projects was being executed in the country and provinces were being provided funds so smoothly.

He was confident that people would get relief soon.

Sindh Minister for Labour, Transport, Trade and Industry Mohammad Adil Siddiqui said on Tuesday that it would provide relief to salaried and labour class.

He pointed out that all possible relief was given to people in the budget. In this context, he referred to the increase in minimum salary from Rs3,000 to Rs4,000, increase in the amount of grant for marriage of labourers’ daughters from Rs30,000 to Rs50,000, increase in the stipend for their children from Rs800 to Rs1,000, and the increase in the special fund in the case of death of a labourer from Rs0.15 million to Rs0.2 million.

The minister said that these relief measures would help alleviate poverty.

HEATH SECTOR: Health care professionals have appreciated allocation of substantial amounts for health sector.