Punjab Assembly: Where are the development funds we were promised, Riaz asks Sanaullah

After 40 minutes, PA closes shop due to member’s death.

LAHORE:

The Punjab Assembly (PA), on Thursday, was adjourned after 40 minutes because of the death of PML-N MPA Aamir Hayat Khan Rokhri.

Raja Riaz, the Leader of Opposition in PA, on a point of order raised his objection that no DCO, so far, had contacted any opposition member regarding development schemes, worth Rs80 million.

Riaz pointed out that 10 days ago Law Minister Rana Sanaullah had told the house that all DCOs will contact the members and explain the procedure for them to propose uplift schemes with the DCO office. Sanaullah responded that Riaz’s demand would be met by the Business Advisory Committee. He also said that if the opposition could not force the government to allocate development funds. If some opposition members wanted to still make a noise about it, he said, they could go ahead.

The law minister said the Rs70 million grants the prime minster had promised to each PPP MPA was coming out of the tax payers’ money. He said that within a week all opposition members would get their development funds. He said they could initiate development schemes in their constituencies.

The speaker asked Riaz to meet him on Friday in his chamber to resolve the development funds issue.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2011.