The National Assembly resumed its session at the Parliament House in Islamabad this afternoon with Speaker Asad Qaiser in the chair.

Newly elected Member of the National Assembly Fakhar-uz-Zaman Khan took oath of his office. Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaisar administered the oath.

The National Assembly was informed today (Monday) that the federal government is transferring funds to provinces timely and no outstanding amount is pending in this regard.

Responding to a question during Question Hour, Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Division Zain Qureshi said funds are transferred to provinces on 17th and on the last working day of every month.

Replying to another question, Zain Qureshi said debt to GDP ratio is expected to be 87 percent by the end of current fiscal year and the government is vigorously working to bring down that ratio to around 81 percent in next three years. He said the government has achieved considerable success in rationalizing expenditure, broadening of the tax base and restructuring of Public Sector Enterprises.

Answering a question, the Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Division said the vehicles seized by customs, having tempered chassis are sold to government and semi-government departments only on nominal prices. He said these vehicles in no case can be sold to any person in individual capacity. 

The National Assembly adopted the resolution to extend the Federal Medical Teaching Institute Ordinance 2020 for a further period of 120 days with effect from 13th of this month.

Besides, Income Tax (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 and PAF Air War College Institute Ordinance 2021 were laid before the House.

The Mid-Year Budget Review Report FY 2020-21 was also present in the National Assembly.

Four reports of concerned standing committees of the National Assembly on various bills were presented in House. These bills include: “The Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens Bill, 2020”, “The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2019”, “The Pakistan Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2020” and “Covid-19 (Prevention of Hoarding) Bill, 2020”.

The House will now meet tomorrow at 11 a.m.