Opposition blasts govt's 'no-show' in budget session

The Punjab Assembly's budget session on Saturday descended into a heated confrontation as the opposition accused the government of showing lack of interest in the budget debate, alleging that "sometimes the treasury appears to be boycotting the proceedings, while at other times the finance minister is missing from the house".

The opposition insisted that budget proposals could not be meaningfully debated without the finance minister's presence, triggering a prolonged exchange with the treasury benches.

The second day of the general debate on the provincial budget also began after a delay, due to the absence of Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman.

Treasury lawmakers initially attempted to continue the proceedings without him, arguing that finance department officials were present to take notes.

However, the opposition refused to proceed, maintaining that only the finance minister could formally receive members' recommendations on the budget.

Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar also voiced concern over the minister's absence.

He remarked that the finance minister's presence was essential during budget proceedings and observed that the opposition's demand was justified.

The deputy speaker wondered how members' proposals could be properly noted in the minister's absence.

Opposition lawmaker Rana Aftab remarked that the session was not like a village fair.

The finance minister eventually arrived in the assembly and the general discussion resumed.

Earlier, Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi criticised the treasury benches, saying neither the finance minister nor other cabinet members were present despite the budget debate being the most important session of the parliamentary calendar. He alleged that the government had no interest in hearing lawmakers' proposals and claimed the people of Punjab were witnessing the treasury's lack of seriousness.

The disagreement intensified as treasury Chief Whip Rana Muhammad Arshad maintained that ministry officials were available to record members' recommendations.

However, the deputy speaker rejected the argument, reiterating that the finance minister himself should be present.

Opposition lawmakers, including Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan, also insisted that responding to the budget debate was the minister's responsibility, not that of the chief whip.

The atmosphere grew tense when sharp exchanges took place between treasury and opposition members, prompting the deputy speaker to order objectionable remarks expunged from the assembly record.