Punjab Assembly passes infrastructure bill amid uproar

The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday passed the Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess Bill 2026 during a turbulent session marked by repeated quorum issues, heated exchanges between treasury and opposition members, and concerns over low public sector wages and overcrowded prisons.

The session, chaired by Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, began nearly an hour late and opened with prayers for martyred Lt Col Khalid Hussain. During the Question Hour related to the Zakat and Ushr Department, lawmakers raised concerns about the salaries of clerical staff.

Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed shock over reports that some clerks were receiving monthly salaries of only Rs20,240, calling the amount a violation of basic human rights. He stated that such low wages were unacceptable and questioned how employees could support their families on such income. The matter was referred to the relevant committee, with instructions to present a detailed report in the next session.

Pakistan Armed Forces Warn Strong Response to Future Aggression

Lawmakers also discussed the worsening overcrowding in Punjab prisons. PML-N lawmaker Tahira Mushtaq informed the House that more than 71,000 inmates are currently lodged in prisons across Punjab despite the total capacity being only 38,000. She highlighted Adiala Jail as an example, where over 8,000 prisoners are housed against a capacity of around 2,100 inmates. Officials said new prisons are under construction to reduce overcrowding.

Opposition members repeatedly pointed out a lack of quorum, forcing the chair to suspend proceedings several times. Despite the disruptions, the House passed the Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess Bill 2026 after rejecting opposition amendments.

The session was later adjourned until Thursday afternoon after quorum could not be completed despite repeated efforts by treasury members.