Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi has reaffirmed his commitment for improving the performance of Pakistan Railways.Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Syed Rafiullah and Shazia Marri in the National Assembly on Tuesday, he said timely payment of salaries and pensions to railway employees is being ensured. However, he pointed out a shortfall of 12.5 billion rupees in the provision of other benefits to the employees.

Hanif Abbasi said the matter has been taken up with the Finance Division for resolution. Responding to another Calling Attention Notice, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani stated that the erstwhile FATA and PATA regions remain exempted from many taxes, including income tax. He said ten percent GST has been imposed only on locally produced and sold goods there.  

Bilal Azhar Kayani acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by the people of tribal areas in the war on terrorism.  He emphasized that it is our collective responsibility to rebuild tribal areas, that is why these areas continue to receive preferential treatment. Responding to the points of opposition members, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the intelligence-based operations are being carried out to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

He said the National Action Plan is being implemented with the consultation of provincial governments.The House today passed five bills. These included: Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Amendment Bill, 2025, National Institute of Health Reorganization Amendment Bill, 2025, The Acid and Burn Crime Bill 2024, The Reservation of Special Seats for Deserving Persons in Universities Bill, 2024 and Zakat and Ushr Amendment Bill, 2025.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)