The Senate was informed on Friday that Pakistan is a responsible country, our defence assets are in safe hands.

Replying to the questions raised by Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan during debate on the next year's budget, Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar said we have the capacity to defend our motherland.

He said under the austerity measures, no member of the cabinet is taking salary.

Taking part in the discussion, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan said that the share of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the National Finance Commission should be given well in time as it is directly linked with the lives of the people. He asked to exempt erstwhile FATA from taxes for more ten years.

Rana Maqbool said the latest oil deal with Russia will definitely help improve the economy.

The Senate today passed "The Elections Amendment Bill 2023".

The Bill which was moved by the Minister of State for Law Shahadat Awan contains amendments in the Elections Act 2017.

Talking about the Bill, Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar said that under this bill, the Election Commission of Pakistan will now be able to announce the dates for the general elections.

Former Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while supporting the bill said that the bill is tantamount to protecting the future generations of Pakistan.

The House also passed unanimously "The Members of the Senate Salaries and Allowances Bill 2023". It was moved by Senator Kauda Babar.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui paid tribute to the Chairman Senate for delivering a speech in Urdu at the Russian Parliament saying that such great practices should be continued in the future.

In his remarks, Syed Mushahid Hussain Syed appreciated the visit of the Chairman to Russia and said that it further strengthened Pak-Russia ties.

Later, the House was adjourned to meet again on Monday at three pm.