Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain informed the National Assembly today that Radio Pakistan's Board of Directors is a competent forum and it takes the decisions regarding the assets of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation.

In a written reply to a question, the minister also informed the Lower House about the contents and transmission duration of Radio Pakistan.

The issue, the Minister said the unutilized properties of state institutions will be used for better purposes. He said the government is going to bring mega reforms which will be unprecedented in the history of the country.

Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood said three billion dollars pledged by Saudi Arabia is reflection of confidence Prime Minister Imran Khan’s policies.

Taking part in general discussion, the Minister said this gesture by Saudi government eased the balance of payments situation and its positive ripples were felt across the country, including a buoyed stock market.

He said government inherited many financial challenges when it came to power. It explored many options, including seeking help from friendly countries and delaying the decision to go to IMF. The visits of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Saudi Arabia and China were very successful. He said Governor State Bank of Pakistan along with a delegation will visit China tomorrow to discuss the details on agreed points during the Prime Minister’s visit.

Shafqat Mahmood said we are making efforts to enhance our revenue base and reduce expenditures. The austerity drive launched by the government in public sector is a step in this direction.

The Minister said the housing program launched by the government will boost the economy and spur up economic activities. He said government and opposition can take the country out of crisis together. He said a Charter of Economy can be signed to improve economy and keep a positive trajectory.

Replying to a Calling Attention Notice, Minister of Energy (Power Division) said there has been no increase in electricity rates for the consumers using up to 300 units. He said task forces have been set up led by respective Deputy Commissioners for high loss areas. They will conduct raids and apprehend big defaulters of electricity. He said planning is also being made to install Aerial Bundled Cables. Besides, the services of tribal elders and Jirga will be used to influence on people to stop stealing electricity.

The Minister said load-shedding will occur in areas where there is high rate of electricity theft.

The call attention notice was moved by Nasir Khan Musazai.

Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul said use of paper resources will be reduced in the National Assembly in order to stop wastage of trees.

She said billion tree Tsunami project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has changed the outlook of the province and now this project is being replicated in other areas of Pakistan. Zartaj Gul said the issues raised in audit report regarding billion tree Tsunami project will be addressed.

The Minister said Green Volunteers are already working at district level to protect the planted trees.

Defense Minister Pervez Khattak suggested running the parliament without indulging in blame game and personal attacks by members of treasury and opposition against each other.

He said rumpus in parliament gives a negative message to the public and world.

Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif endorsed the suggestion saying decent and appropriate language should be used in parliament to keep its sanctity.