LAHORE: Absence of the specialised healthcare secretary caused the Punjab Assembly deputy speaker to suspend proceedings of the house for a brief recess on Wednesday.

The session commenced an hour and a half late under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar.

However, proceedings were immediately adjourned for 15 minutes due to the absence of the secretary of specialised healthcare as the house was scheduled to address questions regarding the department.

Expressing his displeasure, Mr Channar directed the officer to appear immediately, leading to the brief recess.

Following the break, the critical issue of staff shortages in Sahiwal’s teaching hospital was brought to the forefront. It was revealed that over 50 percent of the positions in the hospital are vacant.

Treasury MPA Malik Arshad voiced strong criticism over this situation, questioning how the healthcare system could function effectively with such a significant number of vacancies persisting for the past two years. He urged the government to prioritise Sahiwal and provide its citizens with healthcare facilities on par with those available in Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad.

He questioned how a mere three doctors could manage the entire cardiac system of the hospital, highlighting the suffering and deaths of patients. He demanded a clear timeframe from the government for filling these vacant posts.

In response, Bilal Yamin suggested that the previous decentralised system for filling vacancies at the district level should be reinstated, arguing that the current centralised process in Lahore complicates recruitment.

Parliamentary Secretary Rashida Lodhi assured the House that these vacancies would be filled soon, emphasising that the healthcare sector is a priority for the chief minister.

Meanwhile, opposition members entered the assembly hall chanting slogans against India.

Mr Channar informed the assembly that the department had announced plans to establish burn and children’s health facilities in every division within the next three years.

Continuing the discussion from the previous day regarding the success of “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos” the lawmakers paid tribute to the Pakistan Army and honoured the fallen soldiers.

Retired Brigadier Mushtaq stated that the four-day conflict had highlighted an alliance between Pakistan, China, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. He cautioned the establishment against prioritising other alliances over China. He also noted the political unity displayed during the conflict and stressed the need for its continuation for national stability and economic progress, appealing to political parties to overcome their differences and work for the country’s development.

Opposition member Nadia Khar lauded the Pakistan armed forces for their decisive response to the enemy, stating that despite personal differences, the nation stands united for its homeland. She condemned the enemy’s violation of the rules of engagement by targeting places of worship and expressed that the founder of PTI should have been present during such a crucial time.

IPP member Shoaib Siddiqui paid tribute to the chief of army staff, chief of air staff and chief of naval staff. He said that “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos” not only succeeded but also significantly impacted India’s air and defence systems. He highlighted Pakistan’s military and diplomatic success, suggesting that discussions on the Kashmir issue would now follow the Indus Waters Treaty. He expressed regret over some social media criticism directed at the armed forces.

MPA Adnan Chatha said that the bravery of Pakistan Air Force personnel would be included in syllabi for decades to come. He noted the global observation of India’s plea for a ceasefire within hours and emphasised that India needs to decide between progress and destruction, asserting that Pakistan would respond accordingly to India’s chosen path.

Treasury member Taimoor Lali attributed the nation’s peaceful sleep to the Pakistan Army’s efforts. He stated that while Pakistan desires peace, Modi does not, citing the targeting of civilian populations as an example.

Earlier, the house unanimously adopted a resolution tabled by MPA Sarah Ahmad to combat child labour.

The resolution by the chairperson of the Child Protection & Welfare Bureau Punjab urged the government to take immediate, effective, and sustainable steps to eliminate forced labour in the province.

It calls for strong and effective laws to criminalise the employment of children in forced labour and ensure rigorous implementation of existing protections.

Recognising the gravity of the issue, the Punjab Assembly’s Caucus on Child Rights has pledged to take this matter seriously, ensuring implementation through collaboration with all stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organisations, and advocacy groups.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2025