The Punjab Assembly on Monday launched its first-ever fully paperless sitting under the newly introduced e-Assembly system, marking a significant milestone in the province's parliamentary history. However, the historic session was overshadowed by an opposition protest over wheat-related issues and the government's failure to maintain quorum, prompting an angry rebuke from Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan against the treasury benches.
Session Delayed and Opposition Protests
The session, which commenced one hour and 53 minutes behind schedule, witnessed noisy protests by opposition members after they were allegedly denied permission to discuss the problems faced by wheat growers. Amid the protest, opposition legislator Brigadier Mushtaq Ahmad pointed out a lack of quorum, forcing the Speaker to order the ringing of bells to summon absent lawmakers. Despite repeated attempts, the treasury failed to ensure the required number of members in the House.
Visibly displeased, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan directed sharp remarks at Chief Whip Rana Muhammad Arshad. "Rana Arshad Sahib, you are the Chief Whip. Ensuring quorum is your responsibility," the Speaker said in a stern tone, expressing frustration over the absence of government members from the chamber. As the quorum remained incomplete, the Speaker temporarily adjourned the proceedings for 15 minutes to allow treasury lawmakers to return to the House.
Historic Digital Transition
The session nevertheless marked the formal beginning of the Punjab Assembly's transition to a digital parliamentary system. Newly elected Member of the Provincial Assembly Zafar Abbas Khan took the oath of office at the outset of proceedings. The House also offered Fateha for former lawmakers Malik Nadeem Kamran and Safdar Laghari, as well as Pakistani citizens who recently lost their lives in Turbat.
The Speaker also congratulated Fahad Shehbaz for being named among influential young leaders in a list published by a US magazine. Members from both sides of the aisle stood up and applauded the achievement.
Speaker Highlights Benefits of e-Assembly
Addressing lawmakers, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan described the launch of the e-Assembly as a transformative step towards modern parliamentary governance. "Punjab Assembly has entered a new era through a paperless system," he said, adding that the initiative would significantly reduce paper consumption, help conserve forests, lower the Assembly's carbon footprint and save millions of rupees from the public treasury.
He informed the House that specially coded tablets had been installed on members' desks to facilitate digital access to bills, agendas and other parliamentary documents. He added that the system would continue to be strengthened and upgraded, while a limited number of hard copies of legislative documents would remain available during the transition period.
Praise from Treasury Lawmakers
Treasury lawmakers praised the initiative. MPA Sami Ullah Khan termed the paperless Assembly a historic achievement, while MPA Amjad Ali Javed said the Speaker's role in introducing the reform would be remembered in parliamentary history.
Question Hour and Legislative Business
During the question hour, members discussed a range of issues relating to the Revenue and Colonies departments. Parliamentary Secretary Aoun Jahangir informed the House that the post of Revenue Officer in Sub-Tehsil Fatehpur remained vacant and that additional charge had been assigned to the Tehsildar of Layyah. Lawmakers also raised concerns regarding flood rehabilitation, revenue administration and public complaints.
Amjad Ali Javed informed the House that authorities had recovered 758 acres of government land in Toba Tek Singh from land grabbers and fraudsters. He said the reclaimed land was worth approximately Rs4 billion and alleged that some government officials were reluctant to act against influential land mafias.
The House also discussed the leasing of government land in Khanewal, where Aoun Jahangir said around 6,700 acres of state land had been leased out, generating annual revenue for the government.
Introduction of Bills and Ordinances
Several ordinances and bills were introduced during the session, including amendments relating to the Punjab Judicial Academy, food safety laws, trusts, public-sector medical universities, anti-terrorism legislation, societies registration and countering violent extremism. All proposed laws were referred to the relevant standing committees for detailed consideration and recommendations within two months.
After completing the day's agenda, the Speaker adjourned the Assembly until Tuesday afternoon.
