Senator Faisal Vawda has expressed his frustration over foreign nations telling Pakistan how to control his affairs and call it “shameful” that outsiders instruct the country on how to solve his problems.
During a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee, chairman of Senator Saleem Mandviwala, the Ministry of Finance provided an orientation on electricity grants. The Ministry proposed to limit electricity grants to BISP recipients, with ongoing efforts from the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Power and related companies to implement this policy.
Senator Faisal Vawda, in his remarks, condemned the foreign criticism and called it “extremely shameful” that foreign diplomats told Pakistan how to solve his problems. He also added that Pakistan is losing $ 2.2 million daily because of these problems. Vawda called for the termination of the “drama” in the committee and demanded that those responsible for creating these policies be held responsible.
Senator Anusha Rahman commented that there should be no electricity subsidies in which they said such policies would transform the whole country into beggars who not only affect poor women but men. She suggested that those who can afford electricity bills should pay them, and called for the solution of RS 33 billion outstanding fees related to electricity grants for industries in Karachi.
Officials from the Ministry of Finance responded and stated that the case is currently in court where K-Electric has received a residence order from the judiciary.
Senator Farooq H. Naik expressed his belief that no one really cares about Pakistan and refers to the Iranian diplomat’s comments as “shocking” and “embarrassing” to the nation. He also mentioned that these statements were eye -opening to Pakistan and that they should be taken seriously.
The committee also discussed the question that 600 trucks were blocked at the border between Pakistan-Iran, where the Iranian diplomat explained that Pakistan had imposed a bank guarantee requirement, which had led to a daily loss of $ 2.2 million. The diplomat explained that because of this, the number of Iranian trucks that crossed the border had dropped significantly, from 600 to 400. These trucks have been firm at the border for six months.
The Iranian diplomat emphasized the importance of free movement between Pakistan and Iran in line with bilateral agreements and called on Pakistan to focus on developing the Gwadar port.
Senator Saleem Mandviwala noted that barter between Pakistan and Iran had stopped due to complex customs regulations and the imposition of the bank guarantee requirement.
Customs officials confirmed that there is no requirement for a bank guarantee for barter, but for bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran, the condition is in place. They also clarified that goods from third countries cannot enter Pakistan through barter.
Earlier, Senator Faisal Vawda said the anchor Arshad Sharif was murdered and that a lot of “big people” will be exposed to trial if his case is opened.
