LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Whip in the Punjab Assembly, Rana Arshad, has announced that the province’s historic Rs5.13 trillion budget was presented under the direct guidance of the party’s President Nawaz Sharif.
Reviewing the legislative process before the media on Wednesday, Mr Arshad said that total 208 lawmakers --138 treasury members and 70 from opposition -- participated in the five-day rigorous budget debate in the Punjab Assembly.
He extended his gratitude to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan for ensuring all members received ample floor time.
Mr Arshad criticised the opposition (PTI) for missing a critical opportunity to participate in the debate on the public welfare issues, stating they just remained focused on demanding the release of their leadership, rather than addressing education, healthcare and law and order.
Following the conclusion of the budget debate by the finance minister and the presentation of cut motions, the assembly has been adjourned for two days due to Ashura.
Voting on the primary budget is scheduled for June 27, while the supplementary budget will be taken up for approval from June 28 to June 30.
Addressing additional legislative matters, the chief whip highlighted a resolution tabled by the government, welcoming the recent diplomatic peace agreement between Iran and the United States, noting that the opposition had been invited to join.
He strongly rejected the statements made by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in the National Assembly a day earlier, asserting that Pakistan’s current global standing reflects the dignity of its 250 million citizens.
He clarified that a proposal by PML-N lawmaker Malik Arshad to print Nawaz Sharif’s picture on currency notes was an individual suggestion and does not reflect an official decision.
He concluded by confirming that despite being indisposed due to poor health, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will attend the final budget approval session to formally present her governance vision in the House.
Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026