Punjab Assembly that commenced its post budget proceedings on Tuesday, opposition members posted their agitation on the arrest of Tehsil Nazim Kharian Nadim Asghar Kaira by a token walk out from the Assembly. Qasim Zia, Leader of the opposition severely criticised the government for arresting an activist of opposition on the occasion.
The opposition members while emphasising on passing a resolution on PTCL put forth the demand that federal government should be asked to resolve the issue amicably. Punjab law minister speaking on the issue said that government was already solving the issue keeping in view national interest as well as interest of employees of PTCL. He said no resolution was thus needed on the subject.
Dr Javaid Siddiqui MPA entering into debate on budget said that provincial government needed to take steps for development of South of Punjab region. Dr Wasim Akhtar also spoke of rights of South Punjab in his address.
Farzana Raja MPA in her speech on the occasion criticising budget asked for announcement of NFC Award. She while criticising Punjab Development Fund (PDF) scheme said that it was an unlawful scheme.
Punjab law minister taking notice of this said that PDF was in the interest of the province and funds for development were being derived from it. He said that opposition legislator was hurting the financial interests of the province.
Opposition Deputy Leader Rana Sanaullah criticising Punjab chief minister and finance minister on NFC said that they had given a blank cheque on that. He asked the government to apprise on the formula of NFC Award. Punjab law minister rebutting this said that no interest of the province had been compromised and when the award arrives, everybody would know that Punjab did not suffer but rather benefited.
A number of opposition members criticised changing of benches in the assembly. A number of allegations and counter allegations were heard from treasury as well as opposition on the occasion. Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi was present in the assembly on the occasion. The Chair later on adjourned the Assembly for next day at 3:00 pm.