Punjab Assembly budget session: Speaker rebukes ministers, bureaucracy over ignorance of rules

LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan strongly criticized provincial ministers and bureaucrats during the budget session, saying many of them were unfamiliar with assembly rules and procedures and would need to be educated on parliamentary regulations.

During the budget debate, heated exchanges took place between treasury and opposition members, while detailed discussions were held on the Suthra Punjab Programme, parliamentary supremacy, farmers’ issues, and ongoing development projects. The house also unanimously passed a resolution appreciating Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and supporting peace initiatives between Iran and the United States.

Provincial Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq defended the Suthra Punjab Programme, stating that the government had introduced a modern and transparent waste management system across the province. He said the programme was being monitored through a digital tracking mechanism and invited the speaker and opposition members to Suthra Punjab headquarters to review the system firsthand.

Responding sharply, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan reminded the minister that government was accountable to the assembly and constitutionally bound to answer questions raised by elected representatives. He emphasized that parliamentary oversight must be respected, warning that he would not hesitate to step down if he failed to uphold the supremacy of the legislature. The speaker also urged ministers and officials to familiarize themselves with assembly rules, stressing that while governments have multiple forums available, the assembly remains the primary platform for public representatives.

Later, Provincial Minister for Minerals Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani praised the performance of the Maryam Nawaz-led government, highlighting rapid progress on roads, Danish Schools, green bus projects, and other development initiatives in South Punjab. He claimed that transparency had been improved within the Mines and Minerals Department, contributing to increased provincial mineral revenues.

Opposition lawmakers, however, strongly criticized the budget, describing it as anti-people. Javed Niaz Manj argued that farmers had been pushed to the brink, with wheat, sugarcane, and rice growers unable to recover their production costs. He also accused the government of neglecting the education and health sectors. Khayal Castro blamed the administration for rising inflation and failing to provide meaningful relief to the public, while Owais Warraich said that despite a surplus budget, key issues such as employment, healthcare, and education remained unresolved.

The house also unanimously adopted a resolution commending Pakistan’s role in efforts aimed at securing a peace agreement between Iran and the United States.

Following the completion of speeches by all participating members, Panel of Chairpersons Rana Muhammad Arshad adjourned the session until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026