LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly witnessed a heated exchange between the treasury and opposition benches during the debate on the 2026-27 budget, with the opposition terming it a “numbers game” and accusing the government of reducing allocations for agriculture, education and health, while the government defended it as a ‘people-friendly’ budget focused on welfare and development.

The assembly session, chaired by Panel of Chairpersons member Malik Ahmad Saeed Khan, began with a delay of one and half hours. Opposition MPA Ejaz Shafi criticised the budget, claiming that development funds for agriculture, higher education, special education and health had been reduced, adversely affecting farmers, students and the public.

Responding to the criticism, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari accused the opposition of prioritising political narratives over constructive budget debate. She highlighted several government initiatives, including electric buses, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme, Green Tractor Programme, laptop distribution and student scholarships.

Govt accused of slashing health, education, agri budgets; ministers defend performance

Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin defended the government’s performance, saying record development projects were underway across Punjab and that significant progress had been made in healthcare, road infrastructure and sanitation, while farmers and citizens were receiving direct relief.

Opposition members Farrukh Javed Moon and Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi also criticised the government over election transparency, the wheat crisis and alleged corruption. Qureshi further demanded a transparent investigation into the killing of a young girl during a CCD firing incident in Chakwal.

The House also discussed political issues, the rights of south Punjab, farmers’ concerns and development projects before the session was adjourned until Monday (today) at 11am by Panel of Chairpersons member Raja Shaukat Bhatti after completion of the agenda.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2026