The parliamentary secretary says the seed authority was formed to improve regulation and promote high-yielding, climate-resilient crops.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Advocate Gohar Ali Khan speaking at 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.
He 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.
Crackdown on illegal immigration
Responding to a call-out notice, Minister of State for Home Affairs Talal Chaudhry said the government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal immigration.
He said: “2,222 people have been discharged under the E-Exit system.” He added that since 2023, 3,158 officers have been arrested, while action has also been taken against more than 100 FIA officials who were dismissed for engaging in such activities.
He further said that the government’s efforts against illegal immigration had been recognized by the international community.
On Pakistanis detained in Cambodia, he said several citizens had been repatriated with facilitation, adding that “286 investigations have been carried out and 111 cases have been registered” in relation to fraud-related cases.
Opposition protests
During the session, advocate Gohar Ali Khan raised a point of order, protesting the alleged impediment of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and members of the party founder’s family from meeting him.
He said no meetings with the party founder were allowed and no medical treatment was provided to him. The vice president said further points of order would be raised after question time.
At the beginning of the session, a quorum was established and a recount was arranged. The House 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 switched off and speeches were not broadcast. He also alleged restrictions on party members and protested the arrest of an Azad Kashmir MPA.
Journalists’ strike
Later, journalists left the press gallery due to forced dismissals and non-payment of salaries in the media. The Pakistan Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA) boycotted the session in protest.
PPP leader Shazia Marri said the PRA had also staged a strike last week, adding that multiple media organizations were facing pay delays and layoffs.
Federal Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government was working to ensure timely payment of salaries, noting that payments had already been cleared in several organisations.
The session of the National Assembly was subsequently suspended indefinitely.
