PA lauds anti-terror operation, flags population crisis

In a busy and wide-ranging sitting, the Punjab Assembly (PA) on Tuesday adopted multiple resolutions, opening with unanimous tributes to Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos and later shifting focus to Pakistan's rapidly growing population and its mounting pressure on national resources.

The House unanimously passed a resolution marking the completion of one year of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, paying rich tribute to the armed forces, security agencies and national leadership for their efforts in countering terrorism.

Lawmakers described the operation as part of the continuing national resolve forged in the aftermath of the Army Public School tragedy, stressing that sustained and coordinated action remains essential to eliminate militancy from the country.

The resolution also acknowledged the role of political leadership and state institutions in maintaining stability and strengthening internal security.

The session then turned to domestic challenges as lawmakers unanimously approved another key resolution highlighting the country's population surge.

Members warned that unchecked population growth is placing severe pressure on education, healthcare, employment, housing and infrastructure systems.

The resolution called for a comprehensive population management strategy, urging the expansion of family planning services, improved public awareness campaigns, and greater investment in women's education, health and economic empowerment.

It further stressed the use of modern technology for resource planning and recommended the formation of a special committee to monitor implementation with defined timelines and budgetary allocations.

Lawmakers also passed a resolution appreciating the Punjab government's efforts to tackle smog and environmental pollution.

The House noted steps such as regulating industrial emissions, controlling vehicular pollution and discouraging crop residue burning as part of ongoing environmental protection measures.

Another resolution was adopted in support of cyclist Muattar Manzoor for her performance at the Punjab Pink Games 2026, with members urging the government to provide her advanced training facilities and institutional backing to promote sports talent at the provincial level.

Earlier, the session started with a delay of one hour and 25 minutes under the chair of Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar.

Proceedings witnessed tense exchanges during the question hour, where members raised concerns over repetitive and duplicate questions being submitted, calling it a misuse of parliamentary time and demanding stricter procedural checks.

Provincial Law Minister Rana Iqbal also criticised opposition members for submitting questions while remaining absent from the House, suggesting that such questions should be disregarded.