LAHORE  – On the fifth and last day of general discussion on the provincial budget, the Punjab Assembly witnessed a rare but interesting exchange between Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq and the Speaker Malik Mohammad Ahmad Khan over assembly rules and parliamentary accountability. Speaking on the floor, Zeeshan Rafiq strongly defended the government’s flagship “Suthra Punjab” sanitation programme, stating that in the past, eight waste management companies were costing Rs 48 billion annually. He said the current government had introduced a modern and transparent province-wide sanitation system. He added that Rs 96 billion was spent on the programme during 2024–25, with transparency improved through e-tendering and e-procurement systems, resulting in savings of Rs 1.2 billion in two cities. He further claimed that corruption cases in Faisalabad were uncovered by the government itself, and legal action was taken against those responsible. Rafiq also invited the Speaker and opposition members to visit the Suthra Punjab headquarters and control room to observe the monitoring system firsthand. Responding sharply, the Speaker reminded ministers of their parliamentary obligations, stating that if a question is raised in the House, the relevant minister is bound to respond. “You must correct your mindset. You are answerable to this House,” he said, adding that even senior officials often appeared unfamiliar with assembly procedures. At one point, he remarked that it seemed the Cabinet would need to be taught the Assembly rules. He further warned that if he failed to uphold parliamentary supremacy in line with the Constitution, he would not hesitate to resign within minutes. The Speaker emphasized that while the government has multiple forums for decision-making, the Assembly remains the primary public platform for elected representatives. Later, the minister reiterated that his remarks were meant as an invitation for members and the Speaker to visit the programme’s headquarters. During the session, opposition member Ahmer Rashid Bhatti called for the promotion of the Punjabi language, arguing that poets and literary figures such as Baba Bulleh Shah and Waris Shah had not been given adequate representation in the curriculum. He warned that distancing society from its mother tongue was contributing to social problems. The Speaker also acknowledged the importance of the Punjabi language during the discussion. Government MPA Asma Naz Abbasi described the budget as “pro-people,” noting that Punjab had contributed Rs 546 billion to the federation. She highlighted free medicines and healthcare facilities as major achievements of the government. She also referred to Pakistan’s diplomatic role in easing tensions between Iran and the United States, calling it historic. Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique presented a resolution acknowledging Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts regarding Iran–US relations, which was unanimously passed by the House. The resolution praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal General Asim Munir for their roles in promoting peace efforts. Tensions escalated when opposition member Basharat Dogar raised issues related to election results, prompting sharp reactions from both sides. Lawmakers gathered near the Speaker’s podium, chanting slogans as tempers flared over references to Forms 45 and 47. Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar repeatedly urged members to maintain calm and focus on budgetary discussions, while parliamentary leaders attempted to defuse the situation. The atmosphere remained tense for some time before order was restored. Government members including Qudsia Batool and Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman rejected the opposition’s allegations regarding the electoral process, while opposition members stood firm on their stance. After the disruption, the House resumed its budget debate. Government lawmakers including Farooq Ahmad Maneka, BB Wadera, Malik Asif Bhaha, Chaudhry Arif Gill, and Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora also participated. They discussed federal transfers, healthcare improvements, transport initiatives, minority welfare programmes, green bus services, agricultural challenges, and district-level development schemes. 

Minister for Mines and Minerals Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani highlighted development projects in South Punjab, including green buses, road infrastructure, and Danish schools, calling them evidence of public service by the ruling party. He also emphasized reforms aimed at improving transparency and increasing revenue in the mining sector.
Opposition members Javed Niaz Manj, Khayal Castro, Owais Wark, and Amir Muhammad Khan rejected the budget, terming it anti-people. They raised concerns about farmers, labourers, and the middle class.
Manj said farmers were not receiving fair prices for their crops, while agriculture was in crisis despite being the backbone of the economy. Castro accused the government of worsening inflation and increasing utility bills, saying life for ordinary citizens had become more difficult. Wark questioned performance in health, education, and employment sectors, arguing that surplus budget claims had not translated into relief for the public. Amir Muhammad Khan stressed that political stability was essential for economic progress but said the public remained disappointed with the budget.