PA approves delayed tax notifications

Lawmakers back CM Maryam Nawaz's two-year performance

LAHORE:

The Punjab Assembly on Monday approved the presentation of delayed agricultural income tax enhancement notifications and unanimously condoned the procedural delay in laying them before the House, alongside passing multiple resolutions on governance, development projects, and administrative reforms.

At the outset of the session, the House allowed the late submission of the notifications following a motion moved by Provincial Law Minister Rana Muhammad Iqbal. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated that the delay occurred due to procedural ambiguity linked to a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) issued during committee deliberations on amendments to agricultural income tax.

Subsequently, the Assembly restored the validity of the notifications that had earlier been suspended for non-presentation within the required timeframe.

In a parallel development, members also endorsed the Speaker's earlier ruling against the imposition of agricultural tax through executive order, unanimously supporting the decision through a vote at the beginning of the session.

The House later passed a resolution lauding Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on completing two years in office, appreciating her government's performance and public welfare initiatives. The resolution highlighted projects in housing, sanitation, environmental improvement, and healthcare, terming her leadership as instrumental in Punjab's development.

Another resolution expressed confidence in the ongoing construction of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research, praising the pace and quality of work.

Lawmakers said the facility would provide free cancer treatment to underprivileged patients and meet international healthcare standards upon completion.

The PA also unanimously adopted a resolution urging the federal government to transfer the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) to provinces, citing post-18th Amendment constitutional requirements and administrative inefficiencies affecting workers, particularly in Punjab.

Several legislative bills were introduced during the session and referred to relevant standing committees for further examination over the next two months.

The House also witnessed sharp criticism from treasury members over the performance of the health department.

Lawmakers raised concerns regarding unfilled doctor vacancies, delays in recruitment through the Public Service Commission, and the increasing migration of medical graduates abroad.