LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Monday passed Local Government Punjab 2025 Amendment Bill and the Infrastructure Development Cess Punjab 2025 Bill. Both bills were presented by Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman.  

During the session, the opposition pointed out the lack of quorum, after that Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar ordered a headcount. The government successfully managed to complete the quorum, and the Deputy Speaker allowed the session to proceed.  

 Punjab Assembly also introduced a resolution to establish a Women's Caucus on the pattern of the National Assembly's Kashmir Committee. The resolution, aimed at safeguarding women's rights, was presented in observance of International Women's Day.  

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Mumtaz Chang issued a warning, stating that if his party is pushed to the wall, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will face the same treatment at the federal level. Chang accused the government of protecting corrupt individuals, claiming that evidence of corruption has been provided to the Inspector General (IG) but no action has been taken. 

Chang also raised concerns over the role of the police and District Police Officer (DPO) in Rahim Yar Khan, questioning how people would not turn to banditry when false cases are filed against them. He alleged that innocent individuals are being arrested, and police officers are coercing citizens to transfer property documents in their names. 

Highlighting the impact of false cases during investigations, Chang warned that such actions would leave people homeless and force them into criminal activities. He questioned whether the people of Rahim Yar Khan would continue to face kidnappings and oppression. Chang also addressed the deteriorating situation in the Katcha area, stating that he has been raising concerns about the region's issues for over a year. He emphasized that children are an investment and their protection is crucial. 

Chang further commented on the state of Lahore, noting that the entire city has become like Punjab, but his party has no objections to it. He warned that those in power would face consequences for their actions, stating that if the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) failed to deliver in four years, the same fate awaits others. He asserted that the PPP is not in politics to cling to power but to serve the people. 

Chang issued a stern warning to the government, stating that if they push his party to the wall today, they will face the same treatment at the federal level. He predicted that the government would struggle to pass the federal budget and urged authorities not to hand over Rahim Yar Khan to corrupt individuals. Chang alleged that corrupt police officers are being transferred to Rahim Yar Khan, where his party is facing extreme injustice. 

He claimed that corrupt police officers are so powerful that they should investigate who is responsible for creating bandits in the Katcha area. Chang also accused the DPO of negotiating with bandits to recover abducted individuals. 

In response, minister parliamentary affairs Punjab Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman expressed sympathy for Chang, acknowledging his year-long efforts to address issues in the Kaccha area. Rehman stated that the Chief Minister has allocated billions of rupees to improve law and order in the region, including funds for bulletproof vehicles and jackets for the police. He noted that the Kacha area had become a no-go zone for police, but the current government has upgraded police capabilities and established nine new checkposts in previously inaccessible areas. 

Rehman clarified that not all police officers are corrupt and urged anyone with evidence of corruption in Rahim Yar Khan to come forward so that investigations can be conducted and corrupt officials replaced. He assured that efforts are underway to recover individuals abducted in the Kacha area. 

Rehman highlighted that 47 operations have been conducted in the past five to six months, rescuing 430 people from kidnappings and honey traps. He added that dangerous bandits have been killed or arrested in the last five months, and the situation is improving daily. Rehman expressed confidence that bandits in the Katcha area would be completely eliminated within a few months. 

Deputy Speaker also addressed the issue, stating that if any farmer is oppressed by police officers or their land is seized, it will be reclaimed and returned to them. The ongoing tensions between the PPP and the Punjab government continue to escalate, with allegations of corruption, police misconduct, and injustice taking center stage in the political discourse.

The Punjab Assembly session commenced three hours and five minutes late, with Deputy Speaker Malik Zahir Iqbal Channar presiding over the meeting. During the session, Members of Parliament requested government member Amjad Ali Javed to ask fewer questions due to fasting. Amjad Ali Javed strongly criticized the Forest Department, deeming their responses unsatisfactory. He questioned the existence of forests along canals and accused the department of providing incorrect information. He further mocked the department, asking which "Solomonic hat" they were wearing while responding to questions about trees.

Parliamentary Secretary for Forests Kanwal Liaquat Advocate stated that the Forest Department does not cut down healthy and shady trees but only removes damaged ones. Amjad Ali Javed countered, claiming that there are forests in his area, but only three remain under the department's guidance. He vowed to bring a privilege motion, accusing the department of lying. Kanwal Liaquat Advocate assured that any grievances regarding the department's responses would be addressed.

Amjad Ali Javed expressed concern over officials submitting incorrect answers in the House for over a year. Opposition member Sardar Muhammad Aowais Dareshak highlighted Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change, citing a World Bank report that Pakistan requires $350 billion to combat climate change. He added that it would take Pakistan ten years to overcome the challenges posed by climate change.

Government member Shazia Abid raised concerns about forests being cut down in Rajanpur without accountability. Another government member, Mumtaz Chang, lamented the absence of forests in his constituency, despite millions of trees being planted. He criticized the Forest Department for promptly filing cases against individuals but failing to act against those involved in forest theft.

Deputy Speaker Zahir Iqbal Channar expressed frustration over the lack of departmental action against employees caught stealing trees, questioning why those proven guilty were still employed.

 Law Minister Sohaib Ahmed Bherth said that if there is no court case against the people identified by Rana Aftab, he would take action against them.

Kanwal Liaquat Advocate reported that the Forest Department had reclaimed 194 acres of forest land in Faisalabad and was taking action against encroachments. He added that Rana Aftab Ahmed would be informed once 149 acres of forest land were reclaimed. He also announced the introduction of a geofencing system to monitor tree cutting and proposed amendments to the constitution to double fines and penalties for forest theft. He highlighted the creation of a Forest Force to prevent forest theft and noted a decline in theft since penalties were increased.

Kanwal Liaquat Advocate further revealed that the Forest Department had launched an online system for obtaining wildlife hunting licenses through an app since November. Over 12,000 licenses have been issued, generating more than 1.87 million rupees. He clarified that a license holder is permitted to hunt a maximum of three times per year.

Mean while, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari while talking to media outside Punjab Assembly said that using tragedies for political purposes has become a norm in the country.  

She mentioned that Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, recently visited Mayo Hospital to assess the healthcare facilities. The Punjab government has increased the health budget by 500%, and primary health centers have been made functional to ensure better medical services for the public. She emphasized that hospital administrations must utilize government-provided funds for public welfare, adding that accountability is not limited to the Chief Minister alone but extends to all responsible officials.  

Azma Bokhari expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two patients due to the administration of an incorrect injection at Mayo Hospital. She stated that Chief Minister Punjab was personally grieved by the incident and took immediate action, ordering strict measures against those responsible. As a result, the hospital’s Medical Superintendent (MS) and CEO were removed from their positions, yet this decision was subjected to undue media trial. She expressed these views during a press conference at Punjab Assembly. 

She further stated that the unavailability of essential medicines in hospitals is unacceptable. The Chief Minister questioned the MS regarding why patients were forced to purchase medicines from outside despite Mayo Hospital having a budget of PKR 1.33 billion. Additionally, PKR 150 million has been allocated for health insurance, yet patients continue to face difficulties, which reflects sheer negligence.  

Highlighting administrative issues in the health department, Azma Bokhari stressed the need to improve its efficiency. She acknowledged that Punjab’s doctors are hardworking and dedicated, but negligence will not be tolerated under any circumstances.  

Expressing concern over doctors’ protests and strikes, she remarked that such actions create hardships for the public and are unacceptable. She also pointed out that Maryam Nawaz is the first Chief Minister of Punjab who personally visits hospitals to assess public issues. However, a baseless propaganda campaign was launched regarding the MS’s resignation, which is an irresponsible act.  

The Provincial Minister for Information reaffirmed that the Punjab government is taking all necessary steps to provide better healthcare facilities and that no negligence will be tolerated in this regard.

Moreover, Punjab Assembly, members of the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a token walkout in protest against being denied a meeting with their founder and the alleged filing of unjust cases against their leaders and workers.

During the session, opposition members raised loud slogans in the house before walking out in protest.

Opposition leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar   questioned the treatment of women, pointing out that while an event was held in the assembly to honor women, Yasmin Rashid, a prominent female leader, was not acknowledged.

 Bhachar also raised concerns about the rising incidents of violence against women in Punjab, stating that a woman is subjected to abuse every 30 minutes. He criticized the Chief Minister's claims that women are her "red line," calling for concrete action to address these issues.

The Punjab Assembly witnessed a notable discussion on women's rights and their challenges, with female members of the assembly expressing their views. The head of the Women's Caucus, Ishrat Ashraf, addressed the assembly, emphasizing the need for special attention to pregnant women. She stated that women working outside their homes put in tremendous effort but are not receiving their due rights.

Ishrat Ashraf highlighted that while women in urban areas are aware of their rights, those in rural areas remain uninformed. She drew attention to the injustices faced by women in villages, pointing out that the earnings of working women are often taken by their husbands, which she described as a cruel practice. She urged the government to provide free higher education for women and ensure equal membership for women in committees.

Nargis Faiz, a member of the Punjab Assembly from the People's Party, paid tribute to Benazir Bhutto, calling her a great leader of the Muslim world. She stated that the People's Party has made unparalleled efforts for women's rights. Faiz also honored the sacrifices of Faryal Talpur, mentioning that she was taken from the hospital in the dead of night and imprisoned, which she described as undemocratic.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, in his address on the occasion of International Women's Day, praised women for always working shoulder-to-shoulder with men. He commended the role of women in the Pakistan Movement, highlighting the struggles of Fatima Jinnah and Benazir Bhutto against dictatorship. He also lauded the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, noting that she is the first female Chief Minister of Punjab and has taken exemplary steps for the province.

Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman announced that Maryam Nawaz has pledged to establish 166 daycare centers and nearly 400 women's hostels in Punjab, calling it a significant step for women's rights.

Ends