Supplementary budget, Habitual Offenders Bill: Punjab Assembly session marked by heated debate

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly session on Sunday witnessed an intense debate on the Supplementary Budget 2025-26, with the Opposition raising strong objections to the proposed Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders Bill 2026.

The proceedings were further disrupted by a heated exchange between treasury member Ahsan Raza and opposition lawmaker Owais Virk, creating a tense atmosphere in the House. During the debate on the supplementary budget, opposition MPA Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan expressed serious reservations about the proposed Habitual Offenders Bill, describing it as inconsistent with fundamental human rights. He warned that the legislation could have long-term consequences, affecting future generations as well.

Responding to the concerns, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan clarified that any restrictions under the proposed law would ultimately be imposed by the courts. Drawing a comparison with the existing Goonda Act, he stated that judicial decisions are made only after intelligence reports are reviewed. The speaker also remarked that social media should not be allowed to function as an unchecked platform. However, he acknowledged that he had not yet read the complete text of the proposed bill. Calling Rana Aftab’s concerns significant, the speaker assured the House that he would examine the proposed bill in detail and brief the honourable members accordingly.

The session took a dramatic turn when treasury member Ahsan Raza made controversial remarks about Umar Virk, the father of opposition MPA Owais Virk and a former police officer. The comments sparked uproar in the house, with opposition lawmakers rising from their seats and demanding an apology. Owais Virk also responded strongly, leading to a tense exchange of words between the two sides.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026