Latest news with #MujtabaShuja-ur-Rehman
Business Recorder
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Punjab Assembly: opposition member suspended for 15 sessions
LAHORE: Acting Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Zahir Iqbal Channer suspended a member for using inappropriate language in the House. The Punjab Assembly session began two hours and 30 minutes late under the chairmanship of Acting Speaker Malik Zahir Iqbal Channer. At the outset, Deputy Opposition Leader Mian Riaz Qureshi addressed the House, stating that peaceful protest is everyone's right. He said, 'Our party has called for a protest on August 5. For the past two days, the police have been harassing our workers and raiding their homes. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman responded, 'I am not aware of any raids on their homes. I will check with the police and Home Department. Peaceful protest is indeed everyone's right. If needed, we may even stand with them.' The previous day's session included questions related to the Finance Department, with only one question submitted by Uzma Kardar. However, due to her absence, it was postponed. Later, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented the Principal Policy Annual Report for 2023 and the six-month progress report on the implementation of the NFC Award for the fiscal year 2019-20. Government member Amjad Ali Javed raised an objection, stating that reports were supposed to be submitted but were not available. As usual, the Punjab Assembly witnessed verbal clashes between opposition and treasury members. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister urged the Speaker to proceed with assembly business, emphasising that debates should not hinder proceedings. The Speaker deferred opposition member Nadia Khar's adjournment motion regarding local government due to her absence and lack of response. Similarly, Qazi Ahmad Saeed's adjournment motion on Services and General Administration was also postponed. Opposition member Tayyab Rashid Sindhu raised concerns over an incident in Sheikhupura where a poor man's kidney was allegedly removed by a mafia. 'Such incidents have been happening for a long time. The government must take notice,' he said. Qazi Ahmad Saeed highlighted farmers' distress, stating, 'Influential people divert water to their lands, leaving poor farmers helpless. The Chief Irrigation Officer is highly incompetent. Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken. My constituency in Rahim Yar Khan faces severe water shortages, which must be addressed.' Government member Amjad Ali Javed emphasised the Punjab government's focus on promoting computer education to boost Pakistan's exports. 'However, the Punjab Higher Education Commission's policies are creating obstacles. They have imposed a condition that computer science degrees will not be recognised without accreditation from a specific council. The council's fees are so high that major universities are shutting down their computer science departments. Students who have completed semesters are distressed. The commission must review its policy or relax the conditions,' he said. Acting Speaker Zahir Iqbal Channer suspended opposition member Ijaz Shafi for 15 assembly sittings for using unparliamentarily and inappropriate language. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Disqualification of a member: Speaker's role is limited and clearly defined: PA Speaker
LAHORE: Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, while speaking with journalists, stated that in recent days, an impression is being created that the Speaker is eager to send references. However, the fact is that under the Rules of Business and constitutional provisions, the Speaker's role is both limited and clearly defined. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan emphasized that there is no ambiguity in Article 63(2) of the Constitution. It clearly states that if a question arises regarding the disqualification of a member, it is the Speaker who decides whether such a question has indeed arisen. If the Speaker does not make a decision within thirty days, the matter is automatically referred to the Election Commission. He informed that he has received three applications from Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Ahmad Iqbal, and Iftikhar Chhachhar. He clarified that these are not references, but constitutional applications that must be decided strictly in accordance with the Constitution. Referring to a key incident from the past, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan recalled that in 2017, twenty-two MNAs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf approached then Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, demanding action under Article 63(2) of the Constitution based on a statement by Mian Nawaz Sharif. Even at that time, when the matter was not resolved within thirty days, the Supreme Court took suo motu notice, which was constitutionally controversial since the apex court does not possess suo motu powers over another system of governance. He mentioned that he has encouraged both the government and the opposition to resolve matters through dialogue. Discussions were held on five key points, with both sides agreeing that foul language, sloganeering, and violations of human rights would be unacceptable in the House, and that Article 223 of the Constitution must be fully respected. The Speaker also noted that there has never been chaos in the House during a Chief Minister's speech. While the opposition has the constitutional right to protest, it is equally important to uphold parliamentary norms and the sanctity of the House. He reiterated that he does not believe in character assassination or humiliation of any member, nor will he prevent anyone from speaking. However, mob behaviour, aggressive conduct, and acts such as throwing books are completely unacceptable. Speaker shared that the Speaker of KP Assembly has sent him letter regarding the suspension of opposition members, to which detailed responses along with constitutional interpretations are being sent. In conclusion, the Speaker asserted that his goal is not to undermine anyone but to protect the sanctity of the House while remaining within the constitutional framework. He said that a decision will be made soon, and whatever is decided will be documented and agreed upon by both the government and the opposition to ensure more conducive atmosphere in the House moving forward. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
No headway in talks over suspended PTI MPAs, dialogue to continue
Listen to article The second round of negotiations between the Punjab government and the opposition over the reinstatement of 26 suspended members of the provincial assembly concluded on Sunday without any resolution, though both sides agreed to continue dialogue in the coming days. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the government and opposition failed to reach a consensus regarding the suspension of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, whose membership remains inactive following a heated session last month. The lawmakers were suspended by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan after opposition benches disrupted Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's speech on June 27. The session descended into chaos as treasury and opposition members engaged in a physical altercation, despite repeated appeals by the Speaker to restore order. Read More: Punjab speaker forms committee to address suspended PTI members' references The ongoing impasse follows an earlier consultative meeting between the Speaker and the suspended MPAs, during which disqualification references filed against the members were also discussed. To resolve the standoff, Speaker Khan formed an eight-member negotiation committee, comprising Chief Whip Rana Arshad, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Khawaja Salman Rafique, Samiullah Khan, and Ahmad Iqbal. Additional representation was included from allied parties: Ali Haider Gillani (PPP), Chaudhry Shafay Hussain (PML-Q), and Shoaib Siddiqui (IPP). Despite no significant progress in the second round of talks, both sides signaled readiness to engage further. Leader of the Opposition Malik Ahmad Khan Bachhar said discussions were ongoing and that more meetings were scheduled. 'This was our second meeting, and there was agreement on continuing the talks. Consultations are underway regarding the Assembly's Rules of Procedure,' he told reporters. Bachhar emphasized the need for party-level consultation, noting that such complex issues could not be resolved in a single sitting. 'We are two distinct political entities. The Speaker has urged adherence to the rules, and once consensus is reached, it will be communicated to all stakeholders,' he added. Also Read: Suspended MPAs split over protest limitation Speaking to the media after the meeting, government representatives described the atmosphere as constructive. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman stated that the sanctity of the Assembly was paramount and that the opposition had acknowledged the importance of preserving its dignity. 'One or two more meetings may be required, but we are hopeful of a dignified resolution,' he said. He clarified that the government was not seeking to de-seat the suspended lawmakers but was merely asking for observance of Assembly decorum. 'They are elected representatives. Our objective is not punitive but to ensure the House functions within its prescribed rules,' Shuja-ur-Rehman added.
Business Recorder
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab ministers praise provincial budget
LAHORE: The provincial ministers have stressed that the Punjab Budget 2025-26 is not merely a collection of numbers but a concrete commitment to public welfare, prosperity and transparent governance; significant relief has been provided to the people in the Punjab Budget 2025-26 During a post-budget press conference here on Tuesday, Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb reiterated the Chief Minister's clear directives for the timely completion of every project, full transparency, and maximum benefit to the public. The total budget amounts to Rs 5,335 billion, with Rs 1,240 billion allocated specifically for development projects, they added. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that, similar to last year, Punjab has once again presented a tax-free budget, with the development outlay amounting to 23 percent of the total provincial budget. He averred that no new taxes will be imposed in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26. He described the budget as a historic package for public services. He added that the budget is expected to set new records in development. He emphasised that the budget was prepared under the direct supervision of CM Maryam Nawaz, ensuring that the needs of all social classes were carefully considered. He further assured that no new taxes have been imposed on the public. 'Measures are underway to expand the tax net through the modernisation of the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department. Additionally, transparency is being enhanced through the implementation of e-governance, e-auctions, and e-tendering to curb corruption,' he added. Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb noted that this is the largest development budget in Punjab's history; the CM has introduced an unprecedented development budget, increasing it from Rs 832 billion (allocated in the 2024-25 budget) to Rs 1,240 billion. The Chief Minister has also brought all major development projects under public accountability, setting new standards for good governance, she added. According to her, significant allocations include Rs 81.1 billion for education, Rs 56.3 billion for healthcare and Rs 81.29 billion for agriculture. Special focus areas, based on the Chief Minister's priorities, include healthcare, education, agriculture, clean drinking water, sanitation and environmental protection. Moreover, as part of the 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' initiative, 50,000 families have already received homes, with construction underway on an additional 100,000 housing units. On transport, she said that rapid progress is being made on the Automated Rapid Transport (ART) and e-bus projects in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. The Chief Minister has also directed that every city should have access to clean, quality public transport, with 1,100 new buses being added to the fleet this year; 24 electric buses are currently operating in Lahore. In the education sector, she said, Rs 40 billion is being utilised via school management councils to provide additional classrooms, IT labs and other facilities. Higher education will receive Rs 25 billion, the laptop scheme Rs 15 billion, scholarships for talented students Rs 15 billion, and the school meal programme Rs 7 billion, she added. 'In healthcare, Rs 181 billion has been allocated, including Rs 14.5 billion for the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore, and Rs 8 billion for a new state-of-the-art children's hospital in Rawalpindi. Centres of excellence in nursing will be established in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, with an allocation of Rs 23 billion,' she stated. According to her, under social protection, Rs 40 billion has been allocated for a ration card programme, along with prioritised schemes such as Himmat Card, Minority Card and Labour Card to provide immediate relief to vulnerable segments of society. Moreover, the CM Punjab Parwaaz Programme continues to offer technical training and respectable employment opportunities for youth. Aurangzeb further highlighted that improving the environment has become a mission for the Chief Minister, with Rs 795 billion allocated for this purpose. 'Funds have been designated for the installation of 25 air quality monitoring stations, climate observatories, and the creation of an environmental protection force.' In a move to revive the film industry, a Rs 7 billion fund has been established. For the welfare of journalists, a Rs 1 billion Journalist Endowment Fund and Rs 400 million for the Journalist Housing Foundation have been allocated, she said, adding that the Punjab Higher Education Commission will allocate Rs 18 billion to universities this year. Rs 40 billion has been earmarked for advanced IT laboratories in schools. Additionally, Aurangzeb mentioned that the School Nutrition Programme will be expanded to eight districts, with an investment of Rs 148 billion in health and education. 'Rural Health Centres (RHCs) and Basic Health Units (BHUs) will be transformed into Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics. The first Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital is also under construction in Lahore. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab unveils Rs5.335trn budget
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented the Punjab budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the assembly session on Monday, outlining a total outlay of Rs 5,335 billion. The budget reflects significant allocations for development, social welfare, and infrastructure, marking, what the minister described as, a 'strategic shift' in Punjab's history. The provincial government has allocated Rs 2,706.5 billion for non-development expenditures, including pensions and salaries, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous year. Additionally, Rs 590 billion has been budgeted under current capital expenditure. Despite opposition lawmakers disrupting the session by protesting near Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's seat and labeling the budget as 'unrealistic', the finance minister proceeded with his speech, detailing sector-wise allocations. Shuja-ur-Rehman began by acknowledging the political and military leadership for safeguarding national interests during recent tensions with India. He emphasized the government's commitment to economic stability, noting a 94% reduction in internal debt servicing and an 88% decrease in estimated expenditures under Account-II (Food) compared to the current fiscal year. A substantial portion of the budget, Rs 1,240 billion (23% of the total outlay), has been allocated for development programs, representing a 47% increase from the previous year's Rs 842 billion. The social sector, including health and education, remains a top priority, receiving Rs 494 billion (40% of the Annual Development Program). Revenue collection for 2025-26 is estimated at Rs 4,890.4 billion, with Punjab expected to receive Rs 4,062.2 billion from the federal divisible pool under the National Finance Commission (NFC). Provincial receipts are projected at Rs 828.2 billion, with the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) tasked with collecting Rs 340 billion, the Board of Revenue Rs 135.5 billion, and the excise department Rs 70 billion. The budget also incorporates Rs 470 billion under the federal government's agreement with the IMF, contingent on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) meeting its targets. The government has allocated Rs 148 billion for education development, a 127% increase from the previous year. Initiatives include Rs 15 billion for student scholarships, Rs 40 billion for missing facilities in schools, Rs 5 billion to reduce dropout rates, and Rs 5 billion for centers of excellence in 36 districts. Additionally, Rs 3 billion has been earmarked for the Nawaz Sharif Center of Excellence in 10 divisions while Rs 35 billion will support the Punjab Education Foundation for private-sector collaboration. The health sector receives Rs 181 billion, a 131% increase, with Rs 72 billion allocated for the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore. Rupees 123 billion have been set aside for agriculture, livestock, and irrigation, alongside Rs 795 billion for climate resilient projects - a first in Punjab's history. This includes Rs 277.4 billion for climate adaptation, Rs 371.7 billion for mitigation, and Rs 146 billion for environmental protection capacity-building. Rupees 336 billion (27% of the development budget) will fund infrastructure projects, while Rs 85 billion supports Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's T-30 transport vision. Seed money of Rs 1 billion has been allocated for a feasibility study on Punjab's first public-private airline, and Rs 2 billion will initiate regional railway tracks in collaboration with the federal government. The energy sector receives Rs 7.5 billion, including Rs 600 million for a bio-fertilizer plant in Gujjar Colony and Rs 8 billion for solarizing courts, schools, and hospitals. Social protection programs are allocated Rs 31.4 billion, while Rs 11.6 billion will promote information, culture, and the film industry. The finance minister announced a 10% salary increase for government employees from Grade 1 to 22 and raised the minimum wage from Rs 37,000 to Rs 40,000. Additional allocations include Rs 400 million for the Housing Foundation and Rs 1 billion for the Journalist Endowment Fund. Shuja-ur-Rehman concluded by highlighting the completion of 6,104 projects in the current fiscal year and reaffirmed the government's commitment to sustainable development and economic growth. This budget, he stated, represents the highest-ever development expenditure in Punjab's history, setting a new benchmark for progress. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
