LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Monday marked a historic milestone in Pakistan’s parliamentary history by holding its first session under a fully digital E-Assembly system, making legislative proceedings entirely paperless.
At the outset of the session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, newly elected Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Zafar Abbas Khan took the oath of office. The House also offered prayers for former lawmakers Malik Nadeem Kamran and Safdar Laghari, as well as Pakistani citizens who recently lost their lives in Turbat.
During the proceedings, the Speaker congratulated Fahad Shehbaz, associated with the General Youth Assembly, on being named among an American publication’s list of influential young leaders.
Addressing the House, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said the Punjab Assembly had entered a modern parliamentary era through the adoption of a paperless system. He said that the initiative would significantly reduce paper consumption, contribute to forest conservation, and lower the institution’s carbon footprint. He added that the move would save millions of rupees from the national exchequer.
He informed lawmakers that specially coded tablets had been provided at every member’s desk and assured the House that the E-Assembly system would continue to be strengthened and improved over time. He emphasized that the cooperation of all legislators was essential for the success of the transition, adding that a limited number of hard copies of bills and official documents would remain available until the shift is fully completed.
During the question hour, members discussed issues relating to revenue and colonies. Parliamentary Secretary Aoun Jahangir informed the House that the post of Revenue Officer in Sub-Tehsil Fatehpur remained vacant and that its additional charge had been assigned to the Tehsildar of Layyah. Legislators also raised concerns regarding flood rehabilitation, revenue-related challenges, and public grievances.
Government member Amjad Ali Javed told the Assembly that authorities had recovered 758 acres of state land in Toba Tek Singh from land grabbers and fraudsters, with an estimated value of nearly Rs4 billion. He alleged that certain government officials were reluctant to take action against influential land mafias.
Several important ordinances and bills were introduced during the session, including amendments related to the Punjab Judicial Academy, food safety laws, public-sector medical universities, trusts, anti-terrorism legislation, societies registration, and the Punjab Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism. All proposed bills were referred to the relevant standing committees for further consideration over the next two months.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers staged a protest after being denied permission to discuss issues faced by wheat growers. Opposition member Brigadier (Retd.) Mushtaq Ahmed pointed out a lack of quorum, prompting the ringing of assembly bells. When the required quorum could not be achieved, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan sternly warned Chief Whip Rana Muhammad Arshad, reminding him that ensuring quorum was his responsibility.
The session was subsequently adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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