LAHORE: The Punjab government faced yet another setback in the provincial assembly as it failed to complete the quorum for the fourth consecutive sitting, forcing the session to be adjourned until Friday after the opposition pointed out the lack of quorum twice.
The 45th session witnessed heated exchanges between treasury and opposition members, while the Lahore Gymkhana Club tenancy issue and the Anti-Terrorism Act (Amendment) Bill remained the major points of discussion.
During the proceedings, lawmakers also debated the working and procedure of the Privileges Committee. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said proceedings of the committee were broadcast live and, therefore, officers, professors and other respectable individuals should not be ridiculed. He said privilege was not merely the privilege of lawmakers but also of the people.
Discussing the Lahore Gymkhana Club tenancy issue, MPA Amjad Ali Javed alleged that the ruling elite had occupied valuable land at the club at highly concessional rates. He also claimed that he had faced threats and pressure over the matter.
Opposition member Rana Aftab Ahmad raised objections to the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act (Amendment) Bill, expressing concerns over open courts, fair trial and judicial powers. Treasury members, however, maintained that the bill had been brought before the House in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
Tensions escalated between treasury and opposition benches as members traded barbs over various issues. Chief Whip Rana Arshad and opposition member Ijaz Shafi exchanged heated remarks, while Hafiz Farhat Abbas and Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman also engaged in a verbal clash.
Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman criticised the opposition over alleged facilities being provided to PTI founder Imran Khan in jail, while Hafiz Farhat Abbas questioned government policies and the overall system.
Panel of Chairpersons Samiullah Khan directed members to restrict their speeches to the relevant bill and warned that microphones would be switched off if lawmakers continued discussing unrelated matters.
Later, Hafiz Farhat Abbas pointed out the quorum for the second time. Bells were rung for five minutes, but the government failed to muster the required number of lawmakers.
Several bills were also passed during the sitting, while a number of other bills were introduced. However, the Anti-Terrorism Act (Amendment) Bill was deferred for further consideration.
The speaker also directed that a special meeting be convened next week to discuss delays in the presentation of audit reports.
With the quorum still incomplete, the session was ultimately adjourned until Friday at 2pm.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026