PA approves Skills Development & Entrepreneurship Authority Bill 2026

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday approved the Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Authority Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening the province’s skills development and entrepreneurship framework, amid thin attendance and a lack of interest among lawmakers.

The bill was presented in the House by Parliamentary Secretary Khalid Mahmood Ranjha and was subsequently approved by the Assembly. The session commenced more than an hour behind schedule and was chaired by Panel Chairman Samiullah Khan.

The agenda also included questions and answers relating to the Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Department. However, due to a lack of interest among members, the question hour was wound up after only one question was answered.

The low attendance remained evident throughout the proceedings. Only eight opposition members and around 30 members from the treasury benches were present in the House.

When the shortage of quorum was pointed out, the chair adjourned the proceedings for 15 minutes to allow the required number of members to be completed. However, the requisite quorum could not be maintained. Consequently, the session was ultimately adjourned until 2:00pm on Thursday.

It may be pointed out that the proceedings reflected continued concerns over lawmakers’ attendance, with a significant portion of the scheduled agenda remaining unattended because of the lack of participation by members.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026