MPAs' absence from session irks PA speaker

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has raised concerns over the persistent absence of lawmakers during assembly sessions, hinting at formally addressing the issue with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz.

Expressing disappointment over the lack of seriousness among treasury members, he lamented that despite the expenditure of significant state resources, ministers and legislators continue to neglect House proceedings.

He noted that even when there are no scheduled meetings with the chief minister, the attendance remains alarmingly low.

"If this trend continues," he emphasised "I would write to the chief minister to bring the matter to her attention."

The session, which commenced after a delay of one hour and 22 minutes, saw minimal participation, with only 14 treasury and eight opposition lawmakers present, despite an important pre-budget discussion on the agenda.

Speaker Khan also voiced frustration over the stagnant financial assistance provided to underprivileged couples at the time of their marriage under the Zakat and Ushr program.

He criticised the existing allocation of Rs25,000, pointing out that it has remained unchanged for 25 years.

Calling the amount insufficient in today's economy, he proposed increasing it to Rs100,000, arguing that it should be raised in the same proportion as the recent hikes in lawmakers' salaries.