LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Friday passed the provincial budget 2026-27 during a session amid a walkout by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

The opposition protested that it had not been allowed sufficient time to speak on the cut motions, pointed out a lack of quorum, and eventually staged a walkout during the approval of budget grants.

Following the opposition’s departure, the House approved all 131 demands for grants and passed the Finance Bill, thereby formally adopting the Punjab government’s budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb defended the government’s performance, particularly the security arrangements for Ashura, saying over 124,000 security personnel had been deployed. She said advanced technologies, including thermal drones, QR codes, and Safe City surveillance cameras, were used for the first time to ensure foolproof security.

She also highlighted the government’s development agenda, stating that more than 340 out of the 437 development schemes had already been approved, with projects underway in climate change mitigation, smog control, forestry, clean drinking water, south Punjab, and public welfare. She criticised the opposition, alleging it had neither studied the budget nor examined the facts.

Auranzeb’s speech was repeatedly interrupted by opposition lawmakers chanting slogans, prompting treasury members to respond. The House descended into chaos as members from both sides confronted each other across the aisle.

Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman urged the deputy speaker to suspend opposition members who, he alleged, chanted slogans against the ruling party’s leadership, saying the Business Advisory Committee had agreed that no member would target another party’s leadership during the proceedings.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2026