Punjab Assembly austerity drive fails as session opens late again

LAHORE: The 41st session of the Punjab Assembly commenced on Wednesday after a delay of two hours and 39 minutes, despite an ongoing austerity campaign aimed at improving punctuality and reducing the wastage of government resources.

The repeated delays in starting assembly proceedings have become a recurring issue, with both the Speaker and members of the House blaming each other for the lack of punctuality. Critics say such delays contribute to unnecessary expenditure of public funds, even as the government continues to promote austerity measures focused on saving fuel and energy.

The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar, began with prayers for those martyred in Iran, Gaza and Palestine, as well as for Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, senior parliamentarian Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, and the sister of Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.

Soon after proceedings began, tensions emerged when opposition member Ijaz Shafi alleged that the opposition leader and five other lawmakers had been unlawfully detained for 10 hours. Responding to the claim, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Mumtaz Chang said his party had also faced similar situations in the past, including FIRs and raids on homes.

Treasury members strongly rejected the allegations raised by the opposition.

Law Minister Rana Iqbal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman stated that the government remained present and accountable in the House, while accusing the opposition of not showing seriousness in parliamentary business.

During the question hour, the excise department’s performance came under discussion, with members focusing on taxation procedures and penalties.

The government defended the Capital Value Tax system, arguing that improved transparency had helped reduce corruption within the department.

Two legislative items — the Stamp (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 and the Punjab Forensic Science Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026 — were also tabled during the sitting.

After completion of the agenda, the House was adjourned until Thursday morning by Panel of Chairpersons member Samiullah Khan.