Treasury members defend Punjab govt’s achievements

LAHORE: The fourth day of the budget debate in the Punjab Assembly for the fiscal year 2026–27 witnessed another heated exchange between treasury and opposition members. The opposition strongly criticized the government’s performance on public healthcare, inflation, farmers’ issues, and the law and order situation, while treasury members defended the government’s achievements and development initiatives. During the budget debate, opposition lawmaker Rana Aftab Ahmad raised concerns over the state of the healthcare sector, stating that some patients at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) have to wait years for surgical procedures. He also pointed out that CT scan machines at Children’s Hospital and Allied Hospital were out of order, causing difficulties for patients. Defending the government’s performance, Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that 188 sports complexes were being constructed across Punjab. He added that sports grounds would be established in 1, 000 schools and province-wide youth games would be organized to promote sporting activities among young people. Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat criticized the opposition and highlighted government initiatives, saying that thousands of scholarships, laptops, and electric bikes had been provided to students in South Punjab. He further stated that millions of children were benefiting from nutritional support under the School Meal Programme. Law and order situation, particularly the role of the Crime Control Department (CCD), also remained a major focus of the debate. Opposition member Rana Shehbaz alleged that innocent citizens were being affected during CCD operations and called for impartial investigations into recent incidents. Lawmaker Awais Warraich raised the issue of a young man who was allegedly shot by a police officer in his constituency and demanded that the assembly take notice of such incidents. Several members called for investigations into complaints against the CCD and police. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan directed the law minister to take the House’s concerns seriously. He also indicated that reports would be sought on various incidents, including the Chakwal case. Responding to the concerns, Law Minister Rana Muhammad Iqbal assured the House that the Inspector General of Punjab Police would be consulted and that complaints raised by lawmakers would be reviewed seriously and addressed accordingly. Following the completion of speeches by all participating members and the conclusion of the day’s agenda, Iftikhar Hussain Chhachhar, a member of the Panel of Chairpersons, adjourned the session until 11: 00 a. m. on Tuesday. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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