Islamabad: The National Assembly on Wednesday continued discussion on the budget for the next financial year.

Deputy Prime Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has categorically stated that Sales Tax on Services will remain the domain of the provincial governments.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Ishaq Dar said clarification in this regard will come in the winding up speech on the Finance Bill. He said some budgetary proposals have been reviewed after consultations with the allied parties.

Ishaq Dar said 18 percent Sales Tax was proposed in the budget for the imported component of solar panels. He said it has now been decided after consultations to reduce it to 10 percent.

The Deputy Prime Minister assured that the universities of Sindh will be provided 4.7 billion rupees. He said the scope of Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited is also being expanded to the entire country.

Ishaq Dar said he believes in reconciliation and matters will be addressed through consultations and consensus.

Participating in the discussion, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti expressed satisfaction over improved economic indicators. He said the best possible budget has been presented for the next fiscal year.

Fateh Ullah Khan emphasized the need for addressing the issue of water shortage.

Awais Haider Jakhar proposed allocating more funds for Southern Punjab to ensure equitable development.

Sanjay Perwani said the budget envisages no measures for the welfare of minorities.

Zulfiqar Ali Behan said agriculture emergency should be declared and small farmers supported to bolster the agriculture yield.

Muhammad Mobeen Arif stated that reliance on indirect taxes unfairly affects the common man.

Chaudhary Riaz-ul-Haq expressed the confidence that the budget for the next fiscal year will stabilize the economy. He said prices of fertilizers and other agri inputs should be decreased.

Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani highlighted the steps being taken by Sindh government for development of Karachi including its health infrastructure.

Sohail Sultan said no relief has been given in the budget. He said no increase has been made in the minimum wage.

Sajid Mehdi emphasized the need for value addition in agriculture and livestock sector.

Ms Mahtab Akbar Rashdi opposed the capping of family pension at ten years, saying this needs to be reviewed.

Shah Ahad welcomed reduction in the Sales Tax on Solar Panels, emphasizing that it should be further brought down.

Nasir Iqbal said the country is on the path of development as a result of prudent policies of the government. He said prices of fertilizers should be reduced.

Nauman Islam Shaikh said there should be no Sales Tax on solar panels.

Ali Khan Jadoon demanded more tax exemptions for erstwhile FATA and PATA.

Akhtar Bibi commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government for giving immense importance in addressing Balochistan's issues. She also appreciated the government for presenting a balanced budget.

Sher Ali Arbab called for truth and reconciliation among politicians to take the country forward.

Muhammad Idrees Khan said Kohistan has immense potential for tourism and hydropower, which should be harnessed in the best interest of Pakistan.

Muhammad Arshad Sahi said the cost of the agricultural inputs should be reduced to facilitate the farmer community.