LAHORE: Five important ordinances have lapsed because of the Punjab government’s lack of interest in convening a session of the provincial assembly.

The assembly had last met in June for approving the provincial budget. And another session is not being convened despite advice by the quarters concerned to have the important bills passed.

The ordinances include two about amending the Punjab Local Government Ordinance 2001 and the Punjab Local Government Act 2013, The Punjab Registration of Godowns Ordinance and The Punjab Overseas Commission Ordinance.

Sources said the ordinances were promulgated because of the urgency to immediately have the related matters addressed. They were later tabled in the assembly but could not be adopted as the session in June that lasted for 14 days focused on having the budget passed.

The ordinances therefore lapsed after completing their 90-day lives. Under the constitution they could not be re-enacted. But the provincial assembly, if in session, could extend them for another 90 days before they were lasped, sources said.

Also, the Punjab cabinet has not met since June last. And sources said many matters were pending a decision. “The cabinet means the chief minister and he is already taking the decisions,” quipped an official.

Published in Dawn, September 21th, 2014