Opposition in Punjab Assembly rejects recent budget

LAHORE: Opposition in the Punjab Assembly as well as a member from the ruling side expressed disappointment over the recent budget and demanded steps meant to provide relief to people in letter and spirit.

The discussion on budget started in the Punjab Assembly on Thursday and nominated opposition leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bachar, while opening the debate, stated that labourers and poor segments of society had been ignored in the budget. He said the budget had been made while ignoring minorities and stated that it was most likely that funds would be spent as per the discretion of the chief minister. He further said that the so-called ‘Ramazan Nigehban’ package was merely linked to photo sessions and was hurting the ego of poor people.

Malik Ahmad Bachar also said that the amount allocated for the youth was disappointing as, according to the figures, the PMLN government had allocated only Rs2.75 for each youth of the province. He added that the youth was being victimised for casting votes for Imran Khan’s candidates.

Zulfiqar Shah, a ruling party MPA, in his speech said the heavy budget books carried nothing for the poor. He said people could only receive benefits of welfare initiatives if transparency was ensured in the process. He said, “We have surrendered completely before the IMF.” He said the MPAs were being misled and their privilege was being hurt.

Terming the budget fake and meaningless, Zulfiqar Shah demanded transparency in distribution of resources.

Tahir Qaisrani, an opposition MPA, in his speech said the south Punjab region had been ignored once again.

He said a cancer hospital was being set up in Lahore, adding the southern part of the province should be given equal opportunities.

Sajjad Warraich, another opposition MPA belonging to PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council, demanded a separate province comprising south Punjab. He said only bureaucracy was being aided through the Ramazan package and people were getting no relief. He also demanded setting up of a canal system to protect the agricultural lands in Bahawalpur.

Ruling party MPAs appreciated the efforts made by the Punjab government for the public.

Meanwhile, in the PA session, two ruling party MPAs staged a walkout from the house in protest over display of Imran Khan’s portrait by the opposition members. Malik Waheed and Bilal Yasmin demanded removal of Imran Khan’s portrait that was placed by the opposition on its side.

The session had to be stopped for some time over the walkout of the treasury members. However, later the treasury members returned to the house. At the end of the session, Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar adjourned the proceedings.