LAHORE: The absence of relevant ministers and senior officials during the budget debate in the Punjab Assembly once again drew sharp criticism from the opposition, turning the issue into a major point of contention on the floor of the House.

Opposition MPA Ahmar Bhatti questioned the purpose of continuing the budget debate when neither the concerned minister nor senior finance department officials were present. “Who are we addressing? What is the point of this discussion when there is no one to respond?” he asked, terming the situation a violation of the assembly’s privilege.

He said that either the finance secretary or the special secretary must be present during discussions on the budget, stressing that millions of rupees are spent on the assembly sessions and the absence of key officials amounts to a waste of lawmakers’ time.

Mr Bhatti reminded the House that on three occasions the deputy speaker had ruled that a secretary or special secretary must be present during such debates.

The House was informed that Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman could not attend the session due to illness. Mr Bhatti questioned whether the secretary and special secretary were also unwell, and urged the chair to issue directions to summon the relevant officers.

Panel of Chairpersons Raja Shaukat Bhatti acknowledged that while a deputy secretary was present, the secretary or special secretary should also be called to the House, as the bureaucracy’s absence during the post-budget debate continued to draw serious concern by the members.

However, the proceedings were adjourned for Tuesday.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2026