MPAs cross swords over economy, policing

Punjab Assembly opposition stresses political stability

LAHORE:

The Punjab Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Monday as the opposition lambasted the provincial government's economic policies and questioned the killing of citizens in alleged police actions.

On the other hand, treasury benches defended the government's policies and performance, asserting that Pakistan is stronger and more peaceful now.

On the fourth day of the general debate on the provincial budget, there were heated exchanges as the opposition sought to portray the government as oppressive.

Treasury lawmakers reacted to some remarks by saying they would not let the opposition use the religion card. Opposition lawmakers said the budget lacked meaningful relief for the people.

They argued that soaring inflation, taxation, unemployment and deteriorating public services had placed an unbearable burden on citizens.

Several PTI legislators maintained that economic stability was impossible without political stability, insisting that former prime minister Imran Khan's continued imprisonment had deepened the political crisis.

Legislators Tayyab Rashid, Hassan Malik, Ghulam Sarwar, Rana Shahbaz and Sardar Muhammad Ali also questioned the government's economic policies, alleging that the budget had offered no meaningful public relief and accusing it of neglecting farmers, traders and employees.

They argued that fresh elections would reflect public sentiments and criticised the naming of public sector funded projects after political leaders.

The debate turned heated when opposition members compared Khan's political struggle to historical examples of resistance against oppression during speeches delivered in the context of Muharram.

Information Minister Azma Bokhari objected to the remarks, saying religious personalities and events should not be used for political comparisons.

The deputy speaker expunged the controversial remarks from the assembly record.

Opposition lawmakers also repeatedly raised concerns over policing and law enforcement, demanding independent investigations into the killing of a nine-year-old Australian girl during a Crime Control Department (CCD) operation in Chakwal and other incidents involving the police. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan directed the provincial law minister to obtain reports regarding the issue.

Law Minister Rana Iqbal assured the house that he would summon the inspector general of police to address members' concerns.

PTI MPA Rana Aftab Ahmed criticised the government's performance in healthcare, alleging that patients had to wait years for surgeries while diagnostic equipment remained unused due to a shortage of trained staff.

He also alleged corruption, misuse of bureaucracy and harassment by law enforcement agencies, claiming the government had failed to provide justice, healthcare and education.

Brigadier (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed from the PTI urged the government to ensure healthcare facilities and justice for Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, while backing Pakistan's efforts to promote regional peace through diplomacy.

He criticised the government's reliance on taxation and IMF-backed policies, alleging that Punjab's development funds disproportionately favoured Lahore at the expense of other regions. Ministers and ruling party lawmakers argued that Punjab had achieved significant progress despite financial constraints.

Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the government had expanded educational opportunities, improved women's safety, established Danish Schools and strengthened infrastructure across the province.

He criticised the previous PTI government's performance, accusing it of corruption and mismanagement.

Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar highlighted the government's investment in infrastructure, public healthcare, solarisation of and youth development, while asserting that Punjab's governance model was delivering visible improvements across multiple sectors.

Treasury legislators Zakia Shah Nawaz, Ishrat Ashraf, Rana Shahryar Khan and Chaudhry Iftikhar Chhachhar praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for introducing welfare and development initiatives, including the Suthra Punjab programme, education reforms, road infrastructure and agricultural support schemes.

They also lauded the federal leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, claiming Pakistan had earned greater international respect through its diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States.