LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly session, presided over by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, commenced with a delay of one hour and 43 minutes. A resolution presented by a treasury MPA on Eidul Azha cleanliness sparked uproar from the opposition whose members stood on their chairs and protested.

Concerns regarding infrastructure were raised during the session. MPA Sultan Bajwa highlighted the dilapidated condition of Sheikhupura Road from Gutwala to Nishatabad in Faisalabad, citing traffic issues and frequent accidents. Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar suggested that the chairman P&D could find a solution to this problem.

Speaker Khan noted that urban development designs had led to the creation of societies across Punjab. However, MPA Amjad Ali Javaid questioned the establishment of Housing Colony No 3 in Toba Tek Singh due to the lack of electricity. Speaker Khan urged for a solution, to which Sultan Bajwa responded that a Rs2bn fund was needed to resolve the issue.

A heated debate ensued when Nadeem Qureshi alleged step-motherly treatment towards south Punjab, which Sultan Bajwa refuted, assuring that ongoing schemes would be completed.

Mr Bhachar called for the implementation of the Plots Auction Act 2014 and expressed dismay over incomplete responses, suggesting show-cause notices for departments. The panel of chairperson Samiullah Khan, who was holding the chair at that time, deferred Bhachar’s question for a detailed response.

Opposition MPA Rana Shahbaz questioned the budget presentation before the cabinet’s completion, suggesting a delay of three to four days to finalise the cabinet. Amjad Ali Javaid raised a constitutional point, stating that presenting bills in the house without an Urdu version violated the constitution. The law minister assured the house that future agendas would include an Urdu version.

Hina Arshad, a newly-elected Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA), took the oath.

Newly-elected MPA Hina Arshad thanked Maryam Nawaz for the opportunity to contest elections.

A resolution presented by treasury MPA Naeem Safdar Ansari on Eidul Azha cleanliness sparked uproar from the opposition, whose members stood on their chairs and protested. Samiullah Khan, acting as the panel of chairperson, criticised the opposition’s timing, stating they did not object when the “Suthra Punjab” resolution was initially moved. Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja suggested a vote to satisfy the opposition. Opposition MPA Rana Aftab Ahmed accused the government of bulldozing assembly proceedings and not hearing their protests. Despite the uproar, Naeem Safdar Ansari’s resolution was passed by a majority vote.

The resolution lauded the integrated planning for cleanliness during Eid-ul-Azha, highlighting prompt action on public complaints and the coordinated efforts of various departments.

Samiullah Khan expressed anger at the opposition’s protest during the ‘Suthra Punjab’ resolution, stating that they should not lecture on bad traditions and that the current government was not setting any. He challenged the opposition to acknowledge the ‘bad examples’ set during PTI’s four-year tenure.

Mr Bhachar insisted that the opposition’s protests regarding the resolution were not heard, to which Samiullah Khan responded that with three people standing simultaneously, it was difficult to hear.

Speaker Khan, who retook his chair, intervened, emphasizing the importance of upholding traditions regardless of changing political positions. He reread the resolution on Eid-ul-Azha cleanliness amidst continued opposition protests.

Treasury MPA Ahsan Raza’s criticism of the PTI and its founder further fueled the opposition’s outcry, with members standing and shouting. Speaker Khan urged Mr Raza to speak on the resolution who praised Maryam Nawaz’s ‘Suthra Punjab’ initiative as a global success.

Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari presented a resolution, which was unanimously passed, demanding health facilities, special grants for death and marriage, and educational scholarships for the 71 members of the Press Gallery Committee. It also called for comprehensive policy and legislation for an annual special grant for the committee.

Speaker Khan adjourned the session until Friday afternoon.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025