Heated debate erupts in PA over tourism dept performance

A debate unfolded in the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday over the performance of the Punjab Tourism Department, with lawmakers criticizing the department's functioning and the quality of parliamentary responses.

The session, chaired by Panel of Chairpersons Raja Shaukat Bhatti, commenced one hour and 36 minutes behind schedule.

During Question Hour, several members raised concerns about the Tourism Department's procedures and accountability.

Ruling party MPA Amjad Ali Javed questioned the criteria for declaring a building or site as historical or tourist-worthy. He demanded clarification on the approval mechanism, remarking that if the department itself was unaware of the process, its purpose was questionable.

The discussion intensified over a question related to a proposed tourist resort in Kot Mithan. Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan described the parliamentary secretary's reply as misleading, asserting that no such resort exists and labeling the project a "ghost building."

He criticized parliamentary secretaries for appearing in the House without adequate preparation, calling it a recurring but highly regrettable practice.

Meanwhile, PTI Chief Whip Rana Shehbaz raised the Bhati Gate tragedy, in which a woman and her young daughter fell into an open manhole near Data Darbar. He condemned the police for detaining a family member after the incident and urged that FIRs be filed against the officials truly responsible, rather than suppressing the matter through financial assistance from Baitul Maal.

The Speaker also highlighted concerns over misinformation, noting the dangerous tendency to dismiss serious incidents—including the Karachi Gul Plaza and Lahore tragedies—as "fake news." He emphasized the need for thorough investigations to ensure accountability and public trust.

The Punjab Assembly session was subsequently adjourned by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan until Monday at 11:00 a.m.