ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday suggested that the government and the opposition should sit together and compose a long-term economic policy for the country.

“The government has enhanced salaries of employees in the budget but increasing tax on them has only offset the benefit of that raise,” Asif Ali Zardari said while addressing the National Assembly as the house resumed discussion on the budget for next fiscal year. He said those already paying taxes should not be further burdened.

He said steps needed to be taken to restore the confidence of industrialists and businessmen.

The PPP co-chairperson also thanked the speaker for issuing his production orders.

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Taking part in the discussion, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader Asad Umar said the economic team of the government had made an excellent effort of presenting the best possible budget in difficult economic situation. He said we should make utmost efforts to strengthen and uplift the agriculture sector to bolster the country’s exports.

He said the Employees’ Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) pensions should also be enhanced from 10 to 15 per cent. He said vulnerable segments of the society and middle class should be fully protected.

Asad Umar suggested his government that taxes on sugar, edible oil and small cars should not be enhanced.