LAHORE:Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan strongly reprimanded Chief Whip Rana M Arshad over the government's failure to ensure quorum in the House which on the other hand creates history as it was Punjab Assembly’s first ever paperless session. “You are the Chief Whip, it is your responsibility to ensure that the quorum is complete,” the Speaker remarked.
The speaker expressed displeasure after the quorum could not be maintained during the assembly proceedings. This is noteworthy that the Punjab Assembly marked a major milestone in parliamentary history by holding its first-ever session under a fully digital E-Assembly system, making its proceedings completely paperless.
The session began after a delay of one hour and 53 minutes. At the outset, newly elected MPA Zafar Abbas Khan took oath of office. The House also offered Fateha for former assembly members Malik Nadeem Kamran and Safdar Laghari, as well as for Pakistani citizens who recently passed away in Turbat. During the session, the Speaker congratulated Fahad Shehbaz, associated with the General Youth Assembly, on being included in an American magazine’s list of influential young leaders. Assembly members stood at their seats and applauded his achievement.
Addressing the House, Malik Ahmad Khan said the Punjab Assembly had entered a new era of modern parliamentary governance through the paperless system. He noted that the initiative would significantly reduce paper consumption, help protect forests, and lower the carbon footprint. He added that the transition would save millions of rupees from the national exchequer.
He informed the House that special coded tablets had been installed at the desks of all lawmakers and that the E-Assembly system would be further strengthened and improved over time. He emphasised that the cooperation of all members was essential for the success of the E-Parliament initiative. Until the transition is fully completed, limited hard copies of bills and other documents would continue to be provided.
Government lawmakers Samiullah Khan and Amjad Ali Javed praised the Speaker for introducing the E-Assembly system. Samiullah described the paperless transition as a historic development, while Amjad Ali said the Speaker’s name would be remembered in history for this landmark initiative.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers protested after they were not allowed to discuss wheat-related issues. Opposition member Brig Mushtaq Ahmad pointed out a lack of quorum, prompting the ringing of bells. However, when the required quorum could not be achieved, Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan strongly reprimanded Chief Whip Rana M Arshad, reminding him that maintaining quorum was his responsibility.
During Question Hour, matters relating to Revenue and Colonies departments came under discussion. Parliamentary Secretary Aoun Jahangir informed the House that the post of Revenue Officer in Sub-Tehsil Fatehpur was vacant and its additional charge was currently being handled by the Tehsildar of Layyah. Members also raised issues concerning flood victims’ rehabilitation, revenue-related matters, and public complaints.
MPA Amjad Ali Javed told the House that 758 acres of state land worth approximately Rs4 billion had been retrieved from land grabbers and fraudsters in Toba Tek Singh. He alleged that some govt officials were reluctant to take action against the land mafia. A detailed discussion also took place regarding the lease of state land in Khanewal, where Parliamentary Secretary Aoun Jahangir stated that 6,700 acres of government land had been leased out, generating annual revenue for the government. Several important ordinances and bills were introduced during the session as well. The session was later adjourned over lack of quorum.
