ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said the government has earmarked Rs200 billion in the development budget for projects in Balochistan, describing it as the largest provincial allocation.
Speaking in the National Assembly in response to concerns raised by lawmakers, the minister said the government was committed to accelerating development in the province and addressing its longstanding challenges.
He announced that an additional 5,000 scholarships would be offered to students from Balochistan and the tribal districts under the second phase of the scholarship programme, allowing them to study at leading universities.
Emphasising the importance of education, Iqbal said investment in learning was essential to overcoming backwardness and creating better opportunities for young people.
He also announced plans to introduce a solarisation initiative in the tribal districts, alongside a programme aimed at equipping local youth with digital skills.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) determines fuel prices through a transparent mechanism based on the seven-day average of international market rates.
He said refineries had reduced their gross refining margins a day earlier on the prime minister’s instructions, contributing to a reduction in petrol and diesel prices.
Government to retain Export Facilitation Scheme
Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani has informed the National Assembly that the government will continue the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS), while strengthening safeguards against misuse and ensuring protection for domestic industries.
Responding to a point of order, Kayani said the government had carried out a comprehensive review of the scheme, which enables exporters to import raw materials and other essential inputs for export production without paying duties.
He acknowledged that the facility had been misused in certain instances in the past, leading the government to introduce corrective measures.
However, he maintained that previous irregularities did not justify ending the scheme or further narrowing the range of goods eligible for the facility, given its significance for export growth.
The minister said consultations were under way with all major stakeholders in the textile sector, including the All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), local loom operators, garment manufacturers and other exporters.
He added that the government was working with industry representatives to develop effective safeguards that would prevent abuse of the scheme and protect domestic production.
Kayani stressed that the EFS would remain in place to help exporters obtain quality raw materials and essential inputs at affordable prices, enabling Pakistani products to compete more effectively in international markets.
He said the government intended to strike a balance between facilitating exports, safeguarding local industry and ensuring the scheme operated transparently.
The National Assembly will reconvene on Thursday at 4pm.
