Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage, Ms Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday said that the present democratic government of PML-N has presented a historic and pro-people budget in line with the vision and dynamic policies of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Talking to media outside Parliament House, MOS said that relief has been provided to low-income segments of the society through various measures. She said that Benazir Income Support Programme and Prime Minister's Health Programme have been granted extension with the view to give relief to the poor besides proving best transport facilities to the students of the federal capital through Prime Minister's educational reforms programme. Marriyum Aurangzeb said that in a historic move, tax on import of cancer medicines has been abolished for the first time as budget was prepared keeping in view the requirements of the country. She said, however the next government will have every right to amend the budget to bring it in conformity with its policies and requirements. She said that Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has stated in the House that the government was presenting sixth budget in accordance with law and the constitution and the next government will have the right to amend it but being a people-friendly budget, it may not be possible to change it. With the grace of Allah in the 2018 elections, the PML-N will get landslide victory and come to power again and continue with this very budget, she remarked. Minister for Information added that the budget was presented in light of the mandate given to Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in 2013 and it was presented as per law but some elements were trying to mislead the people through hue and cry and baseless propaganda. She said that Imran Khan, who always gives lectures about the western democracy and values, have once again stayed away from the National Assembly on the eve of this important budget day . She said that Imran's absence today, like the Senate elections day when he sold his vote has raised questions. To a question, she said that the PTI government in KPK lacked capacity and capability to present the next budget. Castigating the behavior of the PTI members in the House, she said by climbing on the tables, they continued their tradition of sit-ins and bullying. Imran who claimed to root out corruption within 90days,now after passage of five long years has again announced to give 100 days programme, Marriyum wondered. She said that Imran's announcements always remain announcements only as they never turned into reality. She said that the entire nation has witnessed how much legal requirements Imran Khan was fulfilling. The minister said that Prime Minister after consultations with Muhammad Nawaz Sharif gave the status of federal ministers to some ministers of state. She said it was prerogative of the PM and the opposition parties should not be jealous of it. Commenting on unprecedented incentives given to the film industry,she said that the promotion of screen tourism through films, culture, national heritage will help promote real and softer image of the country at global level. She said in the war of perception film, teleplays, culture, heritage and language needed to be promoted adding that Film Finance Fund, Artist Assistance fund have been established for this purpose. She said that if the opposition protests remain inside the Parliament, it is democratic practice but if it moves outside, it becomes undemocratic. The minister congratulated the PML-N government and the people of Pakistan over presentation of pro-people budget. Earlier she congratulated newly appointed Finance Minister Miftah Ismail for enjoying the singular honour to present budget for financial year 2018-19. The minister said that Miftah Ismail was fortunate that Allah Almighty has bestowed him with the opportunity to present the next fiscal year's budget. *****
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