Parliamentary secretary says seed authority created to improve regulation and promote high-yielding, climate-resilient crops
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, spoke in the National Assembly on Friday. PHOTO: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF PAKISTAN/FACEBOOK
ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly was informed on Friday that the National Wheat Policy 2026-2030 has been prepared 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 Hour, Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz told the House that the policy would be approved by 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.
Repression of illegal immigration
Responding to a call for attention, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the government was pursuing a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal immigration.
He said: “2,222 people were disembarked 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 added that the government’s efforts against illegal immigration had been recognized by the international community.
Regarding Pakistanis detained in Cambodia, he said several citizens were repatriated with ease, adding that “286 investigations were conducted and 111 cases registered” in connection with fraud-related cases.
Opposition protests
During the session, lawyer Gohar Ali Khan raised a point of order, protesting the alleged ban on Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and the party founder’s family members from meeting him.
He said meetings with the party founder were not allowed and his medical care was also not ensured. The Deputy Speaker said further points of order would be raised after Question Time.
At the start of the session, the quorum was signaled and a head count was ordered. The House once again lost quorum and proceedings were suspended until it was restored.
Lawyer Gohar said the opposition had “always tried to strengthen the House” but complained that microphones were turned off and speeches were not broadcast. He also alleged restrictions on party members and protested the arrest of an MPA from Azad Kashmir.
Disembarkation of journalists
Later, journalists demonstrated in front of the press gallery over forced dismissals and non-payment of salaries in the media. The Pakistan Parliamentary Journalists Association (PRA) boycotted the session in protest.
PPP leader Shazia Marri said the PRA also staged a walkout last week, adding that several media outlets 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 settled in several organizations.
The National Assembly session was then adjourned sine die.
