Lahore: The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday passed several significant bills, including the Lahore Leads University (Amendment) Bill 2024, The National College of Business Administration & Economics Lahore (Amendment) Bill 2025, The Imperial Tutorial College Bill 2025, The Mukabbir University of Science & Technology Gujrat Bill 2025, The Abwa University Faisalabad Bill 2025, The Mussarrat Institute of Technology Bill 2025, and The Next Institute of Science and Technology (Amendment) Bill 2025.  

During the Private Members' Day session, multiple bills related to higher education institutions were introduced. MPA Usama Fazl presented the bill for the University of Technology, Culture, and Health Sciences Gujranwala, while the Sitara International University Bill 2025 was also tabled and referred to the relevant standing committees for further review.  

However, the rapid approval of university bills faced opposition criticism. Opposition member Sheikh Imtiaz questioned the urgency behind passing eight university bills simultaneously, demanding clarity on whether proper surveys were conducted, regulations followed, or if there was even a genuine need for new universities in the proposed areas.  

In a separate development, the assembly unanimously approved a resolution congratulating General Asim Munir on his promotion to the rank of Field Marshal. Government member Raja Shaukat Bhatti, who moved the resolution, lauded the Pakistan Army’s achievements and commended Field Marshal Munir for his strategic successes, particularly against India.  

Meanwhile, eight public interest resolutions were deferred, but a resolution addressing the alarming rise in breast cancer cases was passed unanimously. Opposition Leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar, who introduced the resolution, highlighted the growing number of cancer patients in Punjab and across the country, noting that one in eight women is affected by breast cancer. He criticized the lack of adequate government healthcare facilities for cancer treatment in Punjab, which has a population of 13 crore, and called for modern diagnostic and treatment options to reduce mortality rates.  

Another resolution by opposition member Waqas Mehmood Man regarding wheat policy was deferred for the fifth time, prompting him to question when the issue would be addressed, especially with the upcoming budget session. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan assured the house that the matter would be taken up soon.  

The Punjab Consumer Amendment Bill 2025 and the Punjab Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025 were also presented by Parliamentary Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs Khalid Ranjha.  

A resolution on thalassemia by government member Amjad Ali Javed was unanimously approved. He emphasized the need for lifelong medical care for thalassemia patients, particularly children, and called for government support in treatment, given its high costs. He also highlighted the issuance of "Himat Cards" for hemophilia patients and urged the creation of a national database to assist deserving patients.  

Additionally, a resolution by government member Sanam Malik on child labor was passed with a majority. She urged the Labor and Human Resources Department to enforce the Punjab Restriction on Employment of Children Act 2016 and collaborate with the Punjab Social Protection Authority to eliminate child labor.  

Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar criticized the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, alleging that police detain PTI leaders for hours during meetings. He condemned the absence of senior Home Department officials during the assembly’s security debate, calling it unacceptable. He also criticized the alleged misuse of the "Gunda Act" (anti-hooliganism law) to harass citizens.  

Despite the absence of Home Department officials, the opposition continued the debate, warning that their speeches would reflect public dissatisfaction. The chair directed that a displeasure letter be sent to the Home Department for their non-attendance.  

The session, which began one hour and seven minutes late, saw opposition members raising slogans and holding banners near the speaker’s podium. Parliamentary Secretary Ziaullah Shah responded to questions regarding the Emergency Services Department (1122), with government member Amjad Ali Javed raising concerns over the reduced retirement age for Rescue 1122 employees from 60 to 50 years. Shah assured that retiring employees would receive pensions, and the speaker directed the Finance Department to ensure salary disbursement.  

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has prioritized improving Rescue 1122 services, with new vehicles to be purchased in the upcoming budget. She also announced plans for new trauma centers on motorways and expanded emergency services across Punjab.  

During the session, Brigadier (r) Mushtaq questioned whether Nawaz Sharif was part of the National Security Council during a critical situation, to which Bokhari responded, "I had used the word ‘supervised’." She criticized the opposition for not discussing pressing national issues, accusing them of denying Pakistan’s achievements.  

Opposition Leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar called for a committee to address inter-provincial law and order issues, particularly the dacoit problem in Kacha areas. Provincial Law Minister Sohaib Ahmed Bharath acknowledged the concerns, assuring that the government is working to enhance security in Punjab.  

Additionally, MPA Sardar Muhammad Ali raised the issue of unpaid dues for over 25 retired employees of the Hassanabdal Municipality, amounting to approximately four crore rupees. The Speaker referred the matter to the Local Government Standing Committee for resolution.  

Concluding the session, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan emphasized the need for environmentally sustainable business practices, announcing the formation of a committee to address pollution caused by industries such as leather factories.