The Senate today continued discussion on the Finance Bill 2024-25. Participating in the debate, Nasir Abbas said problems being faced by the industries including textile industry should be addressed. He said increase in Petroleum Development Levy will only further increase the inflation rate. Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman said people are looking towards the political leadership to take the country in the right direction. Sarmad Ali said the government should withdraw ten percent General Sales Tax on import of newsprint, saying this is important for the survival of newspapers. In her remarks, Saadia Abbasi said the government policies should be pro-people, pro-business, pro-agriculture and pro-youth. She said steps should be taken to cut government expenditures. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur said Pakistan is the victim of climate change. She said we should forcefully present our case at the world level to secure finances from the world institutions to cope with the disastrous impacts of climate change. Nasir Mahmoud commended the increase in the salaries of employees saying it will improve their purchasing power. Mohsin Aziz said the affluent class should be taxed instead of the low income groups. Rubina Qaim Khani said the budget carries no measures for empowerment of women and minorities. Fawzia Arshad said allocations made in the budget for health and education are inadequate. The House has now been adjourned to meet again on Thursday next at five pm. Source: Radio Pakistan