Speaker Rejects Minister's Invitation, Emphasizes Parliamentary Accountability
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Tuesday rejected an invitation from Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique to visit the Suthra Punjab programme headquarters, asserting the supremacy of parliament. The speaker reminded the minister that parliamentary oversight requires ministers and officials to answer before the house, not the other way round. "It seems your cabinet also needs to study the assembly rules," Speaker Khan remarked, urging ministers to change their mindset regarding parliamentary accountability.
Opposition Links Punjabi Language Neglect to Moral Decline and Extremism
Earlier, opposition members argued that continued neglect of the Punjabi language had contributed to moral decline and the spread of extremism in society. They criticized discrimination against the Punjabi language, noting that lawmakers routinely listen to speeches in Urdu and English without objection, but resistance emerges as soon as a member speaks in his or her mother tongue. The opposition called for equal respect for all languages.
Budget Debate Enters Fifth Day Amid Heated Exchanges
The assembly met after a delay of three hours and entered the fifth day of the budget debate. Heated exchanges occurred among the speaker, treasury, and opposition members over parliamentary procedure, governance, and the provincial budget. The speaker had to strongly assert the supremacy of parliament, reminding ministers that they are accountable to the assembly and should first acquaint themselves with its rules before asking him to visit government offices.
