LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly session on Wednesday witnessed key legislation alongside heated exchanges between the government and the opposition.
The Punjab Assembly passed the Punjab Film City Authority Bill, the Environmental Protection (Amendment) Bill, and the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill with a majority vote.
The session began with a delay of 51 minutes under the chair of Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. The government’s stance on the Child Marriage Restraint Act and the Speaker’s role drew appreciation, while the opposition strongly criticised the Film City Authority Bill. The House also saw uproar, slogan chanting, and sharp remarks from both sides, although three bills were ultimately passed by a majority vote. Provincial Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari, speaking on the Child Marriage Restraint Act, praised the Speaker’s role, saying that various segments of society were grateful to him.
In his remarks, the speaker said he had fulfilled his responsibility and that differences of opinion are the beauty of democracy. Meanwhile, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that 5,000 high-quality schools have been established in South Punjab, adding that facilities are being provided for special children and that under a nutrition programme, milk and biscuits are being distributed to hundreds of thousands of children. During the session, the Film City Authority Bill triggered a sharp exchange of words between the opposition and the government. Opposition member Ejaz Shafi criticised the move, saying funds were being diverted from essential sectors such as education and health to build a film city, and also made sarcastic remarks about assigning political figures roles in the project.
The speaker repeatedly directed members to confine their discussion to the content of the bill and avoid personal remarks, and ordered that the objectionable comments be expunged from the proceedings. The House continued to witness slogan chanting and disorder from both sides. On the occasion, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb rejected the opposition’s allegations, stating that the government has significantly increased budgets for education and health. She added that the Film City project aims to revive a declining industry, promote the film sector, and create new employment opportunities.During the session, the opposition’s quorum point was ignored, and at the conclusion of proceedings, Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar adjourned the session until (today) Thursday.
