The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday passed eight bills by a majority vote after lengthy debates marked by heated exchanges between treasury and opposition lawmakers. In a notable departure from recent practice, the opposition actively participated in the legislative process instead of staging a walkout and boycotting proceedings, while the treasury managed to complete legislation despite a temporary breakdown of quorum during the session.
Session Delayed and Question Hour
The sitting, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, began after a delay of two hours and 26 minutes. During the question hour related to the Irrigation department, government lawmaker Ahsan Raza Khan raised concerns over water shortages in the siphon project and damage caused by canal breaches that reportedly affected thousands of acres of agricultural land. Responding to the concerns, Punjab Irrigation Minister Kazim Pirzada informed the House that the siphon project had been included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and measures were being taken to improve water supply. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan observed that the need for repairing the siphon had long been felt and its inclusion in the development programme was a significant step forward.
Allegations of Encroachment
The Assembly also discussed allegations of encroachment on canal land in Tehsil Depalpur. Later, opposition member Ejaz Shafi highlighted difficulties faced by farmers, including issues related to wheat prices, fertiliser costs, diesel prices and agricultural taxation. He criticised the government’s agricultural policies, saying farmers were facing severe hardships.
Legislative Business and Heated Exchanges
The House subsequently moved on to legislative business, where discussions on several bills led to sharp exchanges between treasury and opposition members. Opposition MPA Imtiaz Sheikh delivered a lengthy speech on the Walled City bill drawing objections from government ministers. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman remarked that legislation should proceed according to established parliamentary procedures. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, while speaking on the Walled City bill, criticised the opposition for opposing legislation without understanding its contents and said the government was committed to the preservation and development of Lahore’s historic areas. At one point, treasury member Tariq Gul was seen standing before the Speaker’s dais with folded hands, apparently requesting that the lengthy speech be brought to an end, triggering laughter among several treasury lawmakers and the Deputy Speaker.
Bills Passed and Adjournment
The House eventually passed eight bills, including the Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Bill 2026 and the Walled City of Lahore (Amendment) Bill, by a majority vote. After completion of the agenda, Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar adjourned the session indefinitely.
