The Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarian (PPPP), a key ally of the ruling coalition in Punjab, voiced serious concerns on Thursday over what it termed as "continued injustice" to South Punjab in the provincial budget for fiscal year 2025-26.
Speaking on the second consecutive day of the general discussion on the annual budget, PPPP lawmaker Syed Ali Haider Gilani expressed frustration at the budgetary allocation for the region. He warned that if the government fails to address the grievances of South Punjab, the demand for a separate province may resurface with renewed force.
"If this injustice continues, no one can stop the people of South Punjab from demanding their own province," Gilani declared on the floor of the House.
He criticized the government for failing to address basic needs in South Punjab, particularly Multan, where, he said, residents are forced to drink contaminated water. "WASA Multan was completely ignored in this budget, while WASA Lahore was given Rs 147 billion," he added, calling for the formation of a committee to investigate the regional disparities in budgetary allocations.
Meanwhile, the debate over the budget remained heated, with Opposition lawmakers terming it "anti-people" and accusing the government of neglecting public welfare.
Treasury members defended the budget as pro-people and development-oriented, claiming it would bring tangible benefits across Punjab.
The session also saw tensions rise over alleged damage to Assembly equipment. Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed disappointment at the Opposition's accusations that microphones were broken under his directives.
"I am a man of principle and will not compromise on the dignity of this House," the Speaker said, announcing that a formal inquiry will be launched. "If any lawmaker is found guilty of causing damage, they will be held accountable and required to compensate for the loss."
The Assembly will continue the budget debate in the coming days.
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