MPAs flay absence of minister, secretary

Punjab PA opposition raises concerns over education, governance

LAHORE:

During the question-answer session in Punjab Assembly, PTI Chief Whip Rana Shahbaz criticised the absence of the concerned minister and departmental secretary, calling it a sign of the government's lack of commitment to resolving public grievances.

Opposition lawmaker Mian Ijaz Shafi expressed frustration over the backlog of over 300 adjournment motions, questioning how legislative proceedings could be meaningful without addressing them.

The deputy speaker, Zaheer Iqbal Channer, noted that the secretary of livestock was on leave and sought explanations from the treasury benches, leading to further protests from the Opposition.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar lambasted the government for its alleged lack of progress on developmental projects.

"The government allocated Rs6 billion for education, yet only 14% has been utilised.

Instead of improving schools, the government is outsourcing them," Bhachar stated. He highlighted the need for 160,000 teachers in Punjab, warning that the number of operational schools is expected to drop from 47,000 to 28,000.