With a majority vote, the Punjab Assembly demanded a Constitutional amendment to establish a parliamentary system in Punjab like the federal National Assembly and Senate.
The resolution, submitted by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its ally Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), noted Punjab’s vast population, saying only 11 countries had a higher population than Punjab.
Given this demographic size, the resolution called for more expert and professional representation in administrative and decision-making.
The House requested the federal government to change the constitution to provide Punjab a parliamentary system like the federation.
In a separate resolution, parliamentarians condemned the Bannu attack and pledged to support Pakistan’s military services, honouring their sacrifices for national security.
The House started three hours and 50 minutes late, triggering loud reactions from the treasury and opposition benches, especially as many members were fasting.
The assembly opened with opposition lawmakers chanting for PTI founder Imran Khan.
The parliamentary secretary was absent, so the question-and-answer session was postponed.
The PPP MPA Shazia Abid accused Punjab Police of harassing her family and detaining her son, seeking Rs200,000 for his release.
Lawmakers from both parties condemned the disclosure. To address the issue, Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channer submitted it to the Privilege Committee and ordered the Superintendent of Police (SP) to report to the House by March 12.
Opposition MPs criticised the province government for its lack of farmer support policies, predicting a wheat catastrophe. They also demanded the quick activation of the South Punjab Secretariat, which was built for billions but remains inoperable.
They claimed that opening the secretariat would alleviate the suffering of 40 million South Punjabis.
Deputy Speaker Channer postponed IPP’s Shoaib Siddiqi’s resolution to build a five-star hotel in Gaddafi Stadium to reduce public annoyance during cricket matches.
The resolution was delayed till the PCB responds.
After finishing the day’s business, Deputy Speaker Channer adjourned the House till March 12 at 11:00 am.
