LAHORE:
The Punjab Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Monday as the opposition criticized the provincial government’s economic policies and questioned the killing of citizens in alleged police actions.
On the other hand, Treasury benches defended the government’s policies and performance, stating that Pakistan is now stronger and more peaceful.
On the fourth day of the general debate on the provincial budget, there were heated exchanges as the opposition sought to portray the government as oppressive.
Treasury lawmakers reacted to some comments by saying they would not allow the opposition to use the religious card. Opposition lawmakers said the budget lacked meaningful relief for the people.
They argued that soaring inflation, taxes, unemployment and deteriorating public services had placed an unbearable burden on citizens.
Several PTI lawmakers maintained that economic stability was impossible without political stability, insisting that the continued imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan had deepened the political crisis.
Lawmakers Tayyab Rashid, Hassan Malik, Ghulam Sarwar, Rana Shahbaz and Sardar Muhammad Ali also questioned the government’s economic policies, alleging that the budget had not offered any significant public relief and accusing it of neglecting farmers, traders and employees.
They argued that new elections would reflect public sentiments and criticized the naming of publicly funded projects after political leaders.
The debate became heated when opposition members compared Khan’s political struggle with historical examples of resistance against oppression during speeches given in the context of Muharram.
Information Minister Azma Bokhari objected to the comments and said religious personalities and events should not be used for political comparisons.
The vice president removed the controversial statements from the meeting minutes.
Opposition lawmakers also repeatedly raised concerns about policing and law enforcement, demanding independent investigations into the murder of a nine-year-old Australian girl during a Crime Control Department (CCD) operation in Chakwal and other incidents involving police. President Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan directed the provincial law minister to obtain reports on the issue.
Law Minister Rana Iqbal assured the house that he would summon the inspector general of police to address the members’ concerns.
PTI MPA Rana Aftab Ahmed criticized the government’s performance in healthcare, alleging that patients had to wait years for surgeries while diagnostic equipment remained unused due to shortage of trained personnel.
He also alleged corruption, misuse of bureaucracy and harassment by law enforcement, claiming that the government had failed to provide justice, healthcare and education.
PTI’s Brigadier (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed urged the government to ensure healthcare facilities and justice for Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, while supporting Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace through diplomacy.
He criticized the government’s reliance on taxes and IMF-backed policies, alleging that Punjab’s development funds disproportionately favored Lahore at the expense of other regions. Ruling party ministers and lawmakers argued that Punjab had made significant progress despite financial constraints.
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the government had expanded educational opportunities, improved women’s safety, established Danish schools and strengthened infrastructure across the province.
He criticized the actions of the previous PTI government, accusing it of corruption and mismanagement.
Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar highlighted the government’s investment in infrastructure, public healthcare, solarization and youth development, while asserting that Punjab’s governance model was bringing visible improvements across multiple sectors.
Treasury legislators Zakia Shah Nawaz, Ishrat Ashraf, Rana Shahryar Khan and Chaudhry Iftikhar Chhachhar praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for introducing welfare and development initiatives including Suthra Punjab programme, education reforms, road infrastructure and agriculture support schemes.
They also praised federal leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, stating that Pakistan had earned greater international respect through its diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States.
