Opposition walks out of PA over quorum dispute

Govt pushes through 12 bills amid protest

LAHORE:

The Opposition lawmakers staged a walkout from the Punjab Assembly proceedings on Monday in protest against the government's decision to pass a dozen bills with an inadequate quorum.

The walkout came after loud sloganeering in favour of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and the tearing of assembly agenda copies.

The Opposition leader, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, criticised the government's actions, stating, "The government not only lacks physical presence in the Assembly but has also lost moral ground by pushing through legislation with only 52 lawmakers present."

Despite repeated quorum calls, the government continued the legislative process, drawing strong condemnation from the Opposition benches.

Speaking to the media, Bhachar alleged that the government ignored Opposition-proposed amendments and failed to engage lawmakers in the legislative process.

He called the passing of 12 bills under such circumstances "unlawful" and "an affront to democratic norms."

During the session, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan revealed startling details about the Lahore Gymkhana Club's financial dealings.

The Speaker informed the House that gymkhana occupies 1,090 kanals of land, yet neither pays taxes in double digits nor fulfills its nominal rent obligation of 50 paisas per kanal.

Expressing his frustration, Speaker Khan shared, "A poor man's 50-foot shop rent is increased by 5,000%, but precious land is leased to Gymkhana at negligible rates, which are not even paid." He also dismissed rumours of seeking personal favours from the Gymkhana administration, asserting, "I've had membership since before my birth."

Earlier, lawmakers had voiced concerns about the delay in submitting the gymkhana report to a special committee.

The Speaker assured the House that these issues were being addressed.

In the question-and-answer session, Senior Minister for Environment Protection and Climate Change, Mariam Aurangzeb, shared updates on efforts to combat pollution. She reported that 12 special squads had been deployed, resulting in fines worth over Rs50 million and 503 FIRs against factories causing pollution.

"This government has made significant strides in addressing smog, issuing funds, and formulating policies," she said.

The Opposition, however, questioned the efficacy of these measures, with Opposition leader Bhachar demanding transparency about the allocation of funds.

Opposition lawmaker Rana Aftab also criticised the government for failing to provide clean drinking water, saying, "While tall claims are made, basic necessities remain out of reach for the people." Treasury lawmaker Madad Ali Shah raised the issue of human smuggling, urging strict action against perpetrators.

Speaker Khan responded by acknowledging the role of government officials in facilitating the illegal activity and assured the House that a committee had been formed to address the matter in coordination with the federal government.

On the topic of the economy, Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman highlighted the government's focus on reducing irrelevant expenditures to ensure financial stability.

"Strengthening the economy remains this government's prime priority," he stated during the post-budget discussion.

The session concluded with the completion of the day's agenda, and the House was adjourned until Tuesday.