Parliamentary Secretary Says Seed Authority Formed To Improve Regulation, Promote Climate Resilient High Yield Crops
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan addresses the National Assembly on Friday. PHOTO: PAKISTAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY/ FACEBOOK
ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly was informed on Friday that the National Wheat Policy 2026-30 has been drawn up in consultation with the provinces, focusing on a comprehensive roadmap for mechanization and the establishment of a National Agricultural Trade and Food Security Authority to boost exports. Radio Pakistan reported.
During Question Time, Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz told Parliament that the policy would be approved by the Cabinet before the Budget.
She said a National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority has already been established to strengthen and modernize the seed sector by improving regulation and promoting high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties.
Cracking down on illegal immigration
Responding to a call for attention, Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry said the government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal immigration.
He said, “2,222 people have been relieved under the E-Exit system.” He added that since 2023, 3,158 agents have been arrested while action has also been taken against more than 100 FIA officials who were dismissed for involvement in such activities.
He further said that the government’s efforts against illegal immigration had been recognized by the international community.
Regarding Pakistanis detained in Cambodia, he said several citizens had been repatriated with relief, adding, “286 investigations have been conducted and 111 cases registered” in fraud-related cases.
Opposition protests
During the session, lawyer Gohar Ali Khan raised a point of order protesting the alleged barring of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and members of the party founder’s family from meeting him.
He said meetings with the party founder were not allowed and his medical treatment was also not provided. The Deputy Speaker said that further points of order would be dealt with after Question Time.
At the beginning of the meeting, quorum was pointed out and a number of employees were ordered. The House once again lost its quorum and proceedings were suspended until it was restored.
Barrister Gohar said the opposition had “always tried to strengthen Parliament” but complained that the microphones were switched off and speeches were not being broadcast. He also alleged restrictions on party members and protested against the arrest of an MPA from Azad Kashmir.
Journalists’ farewell
Later, journalists staged a walkout from the press gallery over forced layoffs and non-payment of salaries in media organizations. The Parliamentary Reporters Association of Pakistan (PRA) boycotted the session in protest.
PPP leader Shazia Marri said the PRA had also staged a work stoppage last week, adding that several media organizations were facing salary delays and layoffs.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government was working to ensure timely payment of salaries and noted that payments had already been approved in several organizations.
The National Assembly session was later adjourned indefinitely.
