LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday passed eight bills by a majority vote, including the Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Bill 2026 and the Walled City of Lahore (Amendment) Bill.
The assembly session began under the chairmanship of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan after a delay of two hours and 26 minutes. During the question hour related to the Irrigation Department, treasury member Ahsan Raza Khan raised concerns over water shortages due to delays in repair work of the siphon project and the damage caused by a canal breach, which reportedly affected thousands of acres of agricultural land.
Responding to the concerns, Irrigation Minister Kazim Pirzada stated that the siphon project had been included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and that measures were being taken to improve water supply. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that the need for repairs to the siphon system had been recognized for years and described its inclusion in the development programme as a significant step forward.
The assembly also discussed allegations of illegal encroachment on canal land in Tehsil Depalpur. Opposition member Ejaz Shafi criticized the government over issues relating to wheat prices, fertilizer costs, diesel prices, and agricultural taxation, arguing that farmers were facing severe hardships.
The House later proceeded to deliberate on various pieces of legislation. During the debate on the bills, government ministers objected to a lengthy speech by opposition member Imtiaz Sheikh. Information Minister Azma Bukhari, expressing frustration over prolonged opposition speeches, left the House. Meanwhile, treasury member Tariq Gul humorously folded his hands before the Speaker’s dais in an apparent attempt to persuade the member to conclude his remarks, drawing laughter from the Deputy Speaker and other government lawmakers.
Speaking on the Walled City Bill, Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb responded to opposition criticism, saying that opposition members were unaware of the contents of the legislation. She emphasized that the government was working on the restoration and development of Lahore’s historic Walled City.
The session also focused on questions related to the Irrigation Department, canal rehabilitation projects, and key legislative matters. Heated exchanges also took place between government and opposition members during discussions on several bills. The House ultimately approved eight significant bills by a majority vote, after which the deputy speaker, who was chairing the session at that time, adjourned the House indefinitely.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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