PA seeks bicameral system in Punjab
The Punjab Assembly, with a majority vote, passed a resolution demanding an amendment to the Constitution for establishing a parliamentary system in Punjab similar to the National Assembly and Senate at the federal level.
The resolution, jointly presented by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its allied Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), highlighted Punjab's massive population, stating that among 171 countries, only 11 nations have a larger population than Punjab.
Given this demographic size, the resolution stressed the need for broader representation of experts and professionals in administrative matters and decision-making.
Although the current constitutional framework does not provide for such a system, the House urged the federal government to introduce the necessary amendments to allow Punjab to have a parliamentary system like the federation.
In a separate resolution, lawmakers unanimously condemned the recent Bannu attack and expressed their unwavering support for Pakistan's armed forces, recognising their sacrifices in maintaining national security.
The House proceedings commenced three hours and 50 minutes late, prompting strong reactions from both treasury and opposition benches, especially since many members were fasting.
As the session began, opposition lawmakers entered the assembly, chanting slogans in favour of PTI's founding chairman, Imran Khan.
Due to the absence of the parliamentary secretary, the scheduled question-answer session was postponed.
PPP MPA Shazia Abid accused Punjab Police officers of harassing her family members and even detaining her son, demanding Rs200,000 for his release.
The revelation sparked outrage across party lines, with lawmakers condemning the incident. In response, Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channer referred the matter to the Privilege Committee and summoned the concerned Superintendent of Police (SP) by March 12, directing him to submit a report to the House.
Opposition lawmakers lambasted the provincial government for its lack of comprehensive policies to support farmers, warning of an impending wheat crisis. They also demanded the immediate activation of the South Punjab Secretariat, arguing that despite billions being spent on its construction, the facility remains non-functional.
They insisted that making the secretariat operational would help resolve the grievances of over 40 million people in South Punjab.
During the proceedings, Deputy Speaker Channer postponed a resolution submitted by IPP's Shoaib Siddiqi, which sought approval for constructing a five-star hotel inside Gaddafi Stadium to address public inconvenience during cricket events.
The resolution was delayed until the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) provides an official response.
After completing the day's agenda, Deputy Speaker Channer adjourned the House until March 12 at 11:00 am.
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