Gold theft allegations trigger uproar in PA

Govt, opposition clash; corruption, transport issues raised

LAHORE:

The Punjab Assembly (PA) session on Thursday witnessed heated debates over alleged gold theft in Mianwali, corruption in government departments, and shortcomings in transport regulations, alongside strong exchanges between treasury and opposition members on public issues.

The proceedings, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, began after a delay of nearly three hours.

A major controversy arose when ruling party lawmaker Ali Haider Noor Niazi alleged large-scale gold theft in Mianwali through the use of heavy machinery, claiming that no significant recovery had been made so far. He further alleged possible involvement of police officials and demanded a thorough investigation to prevent further losses to the national exchequer.

Provincial Minister for Minerals Sher Ali Gorchani rejected the allegations, maintaining that most theft incidents had occurred during the previous government's tenure.

The exchange led to a heated argument in the House, with members from both sides trading accusations. Gorchani stated that he would resign if any gold theft was proven during the current government's tenure.

Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman presented official figures, informing the House that 64 cases of gold theft had been registered in Mianwali, including 12 in 2024, 44 in 2025, and seven in 2026.

He said most nominated suspects had been challaned in courts. The matter was later referred to the relevant committee by Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar.

The session also focused on governance issues, with Transport Minister Bilal Akbar acknowledging corruption within his department.