Habitual offenders bill triggers uproar

PA debates supplementary budget

LAHORE:

The Punjab Assembly on Sunday witnessed a stormy session dominated by a heated debate over the Rs566 billion Supplementary Budget 2025-26, sharp criticism of the proposed Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders Bill 2026 and repeated confrontations between treasury and opposition lawmakers that culminated in a temporary adjournment after members nearly came to blows.

The proceedings, which began one hour and 45 minutes behind schedule under the chairmanship of Panel of Chairpersons member Rana Munawar Hussain, were overshadowed by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan's surprise expression of ignorance about the proposed Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders Bill 2026.

The speaker said he had not been informed when the bill was introduced in the house and warned that he would take strict action over the matter.

The controversy erupted after opposition MPA Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan argued that the proposed legislation violated fundamental human rights and could affect future generations.

Responding to the criticism, the Speaker Khan said only courts could impose restrictions on individuals and explained that under existing "Ghunda Act" type laws, intelligence agencies submit reports but courts ultimately decide whether a person falls within the category of habitual offender.

He also voiced serious concern over the bill's procedural handling, saying no bill could be referred to a committee without the speaker's signatures, and termed the revival of colonial-era legislation unacceptable.

The house also saw a fierce exchange after treasury member Ahsan Raza Khan allegedly passed some remarks against opposition MPA Owais Warraich's father, a former police officer.

The remarks sparked a strong protest from opposition lawmakers, with Owais Warraich charging towards the treasury benches before being restrained by fellow legislators. Opposition members chanted slogans and demanded Ahsan Khan's suspension, forcing the chair to adjourn proceedings for 10 minutes.

Earlier, opposition lawmakers had demanded an apology from the education minister over his alleged remarks accusing teachers of theft, saying the comments had deeply offended the teaching community across Punjab.

The assembly had passed the Punjab Budget 2026-27 on Saturday by approving all 131 demands for grant valued at more than Rs339.067 trillion and the Finance Bill, after rejecting all opposition cut motions during a turbulent session that culminated in an opposition walkout following hours of protests, sloganeering and heated exchanges.