Senate passes resolution seeking withdrawal of Rs5,000 notes

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Tuesday passed the resolution recommending the government to take necessary steps to withdraw high denomination 5000 rupees notes from circulation.

The resolution was moved citing that it will reduce illicit money flow, encourage the use of bank accounts and reduce the size of the undocumented economy.

Speaking on the resolution Law Minister Zahid Hamid said that the withdrawal of Rs5000 currency note will hamper business activities in the country and urged the mover to not stress on the resolution.

Through a resolution the Senate recommended the government to make necessary amendments in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, to empower the Senate of Pakistan to pass the Money Bill, including the Finance Bill.

The Senate also adopted ‘The Corporate Rehabilitation Bill, 2015. The bill was moved by Saleem Mandviwalla.

A resolution recommending the government to augment the Balochistan government’s efforts to rehabilitate the affectees of earthquake hit areas in the province was also passed in the Senate.

Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Aminul Hasnat has said that minorities are fully protected in Pakistan and there is complete religious freedom.

He was concluding the discussion on a motion moved by Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi regarding the steps being taken by the government to safeguard the religious freedom in the country.

The minister of state assured the House that the government is taking every possible step to safeguard minorities’ rights and promote interfaith harmony in the country.

He said the federal government is also providing financial assistance to minorities.

Earlier, speaking on the motion, the members said that the constitution of Pakistan provides equal opportunities to all the faiths to practice their religions independently. They said more legislation should be done pertaining to different issues to safeguard the rights of the minorities. They said that efforts should also be made to promote interfaith harmony.

Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has said that Islamabad will be made a model city in light of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s directions.

He was winding up the discussion on a motion moved by Syed Shibli Faraz regarding the planning and performance of the Capital Development Authority.

The Minister of State said a six-lane road from Convention Center to Satra Meel, a bypass at Bhara Kahu will be constructed in Islamabad to facilitate residents of the federal capital.

He said a citizen club and a picnic spot are also on the cards, while a cycle-lane has exclusively been allocated.