Punjab Assembly budget debate turns heated over economy, policing

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly saw sharp exchanges on Monday during the fourth day of the general debate on the provincial budget, with opposition lawmakers criticising the provincial government’s economic direction and raising questions over deaths in alleged police actions, while treasury members defended the administration’s record and said the country was now stronger and more peaceful.

Opposition members argued that the budget did not offer meaningful relief to the public, saying inflation, taxation, unemployment and weakening public services had placed heavy pressure on citizens. Several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf legislators said economic stability could not be achieved without political stability and maintained that former prime minister Imran Khan’s imprisonment had worsened the political crisis.

Lawmakers including Tayyab Rashid, Hassan Malik, Ghulam Sarwar, Rana Shahbaz and Sardar Muhammad Ali questioned the government’s economic policies and said the budget had failed to provide real relief. They also accused the government of overlooking farmers, traders and employees, called for fresh elections to reflect public sentiment, and criticised the naming of publicly funded projects after political leaders.

Remarks expunged after dispute over political comparisons

The debate intensified when opposition members, speaking in the context of Muharram, compared Khan’s political struggle with historical examples of resistance to oppression. Information Minister Azma Bokhari objected, saying religious personalities and events should not be invoked for political comparisons. The deputy speaker later ordered the disputed remarks removed from the official record.

Treasury lawmakers also reacted to some of the opposition’s comments by saying they would not allow the religion card to be used in the house.

Opposition raises police action concerns

Opposition legislators repeatedly voiced concern over policing and law enforcement, calling for independent inquiries into the killing of a nine-year-old Australian girl during a Crime Control Department operation in Chakwal, as well as other incidents involving the police. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan directed the provincial law minister to obtain reports on the matter.

Law Minister Rana Iqbal told the house he would call in the inspector general of police to respond to members’ concerns.

Healthcare and development also debated

PTI MPA Rana Aftab Ahmed criticised the government’s performance in health, alleging that patients were waiting years for surgeries and that diagnostic equipment was lying unused because trained staff were unavailable. He also alleged corruption, misuse of the bureaucracy and harassment by law enforcement agencies, and said the government had failed to deliver justice, healthcare and education.

Brigadier (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed of the PTI urged the government to ensure healthcare facilities and justice for Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. He also supported Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting regional peace, but criticised what he described as the government’s dependence on taxation and IMF-backed policies. He further alleged that Punjab’s development funds were being skewed in favour of Lahore over other regions.

Treasury benches defend performance

Ministers and ruling party lawmakers said Punjab had made substantial progress despite financial limitations. Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the government had broadened educational access, improved women’s safety, set up Danish Schools and strengthened infrastructure across the province. He also criticised the previous PTI government and accused it of corruption and poor administration.

Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar pointed to spending on infrastructure, public healthcare, solarisation and youth development, saying Punjab’s model of governance was producing visible improvements in several sectors.

Treasury legislators Zakia Shah Nawaz, Ishrat Ashraf, Rana Shahryar Khan and Chaudhry Iftikhar Chhachhar praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for welfare and development measures, including the Suthra Punjab programme, education reforms, road schemes and agricultural support initiatives. They also commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying Pakistan had gained greater international respect through diplomatic efforts to help facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States.