Judul : Flood relief, corruption issues dominate PA proceedings
link : Flood relief, corruption issues dominate PA proceedings
Flood relief, corruption issues dominate PA proceedings
In the absence of the Opposition, the issues of flood relief and alleged deratmental corruption dominated the Punjab Assembly proceedings on Friday. The session began with a somber note as members offered prayers (Fatiha) for those who lost their lives due to the recent floods, heavy rains, and storms across the province.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman announced during the session that the Punjab government had decided to provide financial compensation to those affected by the recent monsoon devastation. He noted that rainfall levels had surpassed forecasts, leading to widespread destruction across many districts. He told the House that members whose constituencies have faced damage should identify them so the government can ensure compensation for the losses faced by landowners.
He also added that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would soon announce compensation packages for the families of deceased victims, and efforts were underway to assess and redress financial damages across the province.
Minister for Law Sohaib Ahmad Bharath told the Assembly that immediate rescue operations were carried out in Chakwal, one of the worst-hit districts, where 498 mm of rainfall was recorded. He said the lack of a proper sewerage system had worsened the situation, leading to chaos.
During the Question Hour, treasury member Ahsan Raza turned the spotlight on the Evacuee Trust Property Board and Auqaf Department, accusing officials of corruption under the guise of collecting donations from philanthropists.
'The Auqaf Department is exploiting donations made by the public. Where has that money gone? We are facing corruption right in front of us,' Raza alleged.
His remarks triggered a broader discussion on the alleged corruption within the department. Parliamentary Secretary Malik Waheed acknowledged the presence of corruption within the Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department but stressed that reforms were underway.
'Which department is free from corruption? But we are trying to improve the system,' Waheed said, adding that departments like the Central Control Division (CCD) and PIRA were set up precisely to bring transparency.
Waheed pledged that any irregularities reported would be investigated, audited, and results presented to the Assembly. He also informed that Rs. 5 billion had been allocated in the 2025-26 Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the construction and rehabilitation of mosques and shrines.
During the session, Law Minister Sohaib Bharath introduced three bills which included: Punjab Agricultural Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025, Punjab Horticulture Authority Bill 2025 and Punjab Senior Citizens Welfare Bill 2025.
All three bills were referred to their respective standing committees for review, with a two-month deadline set by Acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar.
After completing the day's agenda, Acting Speaker Channar adjourned the Punjab Assembly session until Tuesday at 2:00 PM. The session is expected to continue discussions on flood relief, public welfare legislation, and departmental accountability.
Meanwhile, in a dramatic show of dissent, the opposition in the Punjab Assembly held a symbolic 'People's Assembly' outside the Assembly building in protest against the government's failure to reinstate the suspended opposition lawmakers.
The opposition members also protested against what they called the government's failed response to public crises, including devastating floods, the ongoing sugar scandal, and rising inflation.
Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar declared that opposition members would not return to the Assembly floor until the suspension of their fellow lawmakers was lifted. 'We won't step inside while our colleagues remain barred. Meanwhile, Punjab is facing a severe crisis,' he said.
He further alleged that:'In just four days, the government's so-called development claims have been exposed. Sixty-three people have died and nearly 290 injured due to floods - who will be held accountable? Petrol prices have surged from Rs. 134 to Rs. 272. The sugar mafia has taken over the province.'
Bhachar also criticized the government's alleged focus on 'Prisoner No. 804,' a reference to PTI founder Imran Khan, saying the administration was 'more concerned with isolating opposition leadership than addressing public issues.'
At the close of the outdoor session, a resolution tabled by Bhachar - condemning the rising costs of sugar and petrol and highlighting flood damages - was unanimously passed. The speaker of the symbolic assembly, Ijaz Shafi, then adjourned the session for an indefinite period.
Ijaz Shafi, a senior opposition lawmaker, acted as Speaker for the symbolic session held on the street in front of the Punjab Assembly. Lawmakers used the platform to voice harsh criticism against the Punjab government, branding it a 'Form-47 government' - a reference to the controversial 2024 election results - and passed a resolution condemning the government's handling of flood damages and economic mismanagement.
Local govt bill
PA body drops controversial clause making DCs chairmen of District Committees
In a major shift ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Punjab, the Punjab Assembly's standing committee has amended the controversial clause of the Local Government Bill 2025, which previously proposed appointing Deputy Commissioners (DCs) as chairmen of district committees.
The revised clause now states that elected representatives will chair these committees, while DCs will serve as co-chairpersons.
The amendment was introduced following a unanimous recommendation by the Punjab Assembly's Standing Committee on Local Government, which is currently conducting clause-by-clause reviews of the proposed legislation.
The move marks a notable policy reversal by the treasury benches. During the last session of the Punjab Assembly, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and several government members had openly opposed the inclusion of DCs as heads of district-level bodies, arguing that it undermined the spirit of democratic local governance. Their objections contributed to mounting political and public pressure to revise the bill.
Under the amended version of the bill, the head of the largest local government unit in a district, based on population, will serve as chairman of the district committee for a six-month term. After six months, the role will rotate to the head of the second-largest local government. This rotational system will continue in six-month phases among all local governments in the district. In cases where a local government head is absent or the position is vacant, the role will shift to the next eligible local government based on population.
The government had earlier drawn criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and governance experts who viewed the initial proposal - placing bureaucrats at the helm of elected bodies - as a step backward for local democracy in Punjab.
Sources close to the committee confirmed that members were briefed in detail on the amendment during the most recent meeting. The weekly sessions of the Standing Committee continue to review and refine the draft legislation ahead of its formal tabling for final passage in the assembly.
The Punjab government is preparing to conduct local government elections later this year. With this amendment, the revised bill appears more aligned with constitutional mandates and democratic norms emphasizing elected leadership at the grassroots level.
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