Opposition parties in Punjab Assembly session that commenced on Thursday staged protest out of assembly premises and raised slogans inside the Assembly against completion of seven year of President Musharraf' s rule.
The opposition members who were very out vociferous on criticising present government raised slogans 'Go Musharraf go' in the assembly. A unanimous resolution by opposition as well as treasury benches against remarks of Pope Benedict was passed in the Assembly.
In general discussion on prices of essential commodities in Punjab, Senior Punjab Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal averred that control of prices of commodities was the first priority of the Federal and Provincial government.
He dilating on steps taken in this regard by the Federal Government stated that it was giving heavy subsidies to provide essential items to masses at economic rates.
Speaking about rationalising prices of sugar in the Country, the Minister stated that 'Trading Corporation of Pakistan' imported 40,000 tones in this regard. He said this sugar was being provided at utility stores throughout the Country.
Speaking about the provincial government steps, he stated that 15 to 20 percent reductions in prices of various items had been done due to measures taken by it.
The Minister averring further stated that with formation of Price Control Committees and appointment of price control magistrates, reduction in prices had occurred.
He referring to performance of magistrates for checking prices said that in September 2693 raids were conducted in Lahore. He added that 93 persons were convicted for price hike in the period.
Punjab Senior Minister also referred to Rs2.35 billion relief package for needy by the Chief Minister and said that the present government did not believe in slogan mongering but was instead doing substantive work by giving relief to people. Earlier on a Point of Order, Javed Arshad MPA demanded enhanced sugar cane prices for farmers of Punjab as being given in province of Sindh.
The Finance Minister Punjab, Sardar Hasnain Bhadur Dareshak answering to a query of MPA Ehsan Ullah Waqas stated that 789 employees of PSIC who were there in the training centres had been taken on deputation in Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (Tevta). Provincial Minister for Mines & Mineral, Muhammad Sibtain replying to question by MPA Malik Asghar Ali Qaisar stated that from period January 1, 2004 to the present date, 16 assistant mine engineers on merit had been employed on three-year contract in Punjab Mineral Development Corporation.
Minister of Industries, Ajmal Cheema answering to a question by MPA Syed Ehsan Ullah Waqas regarding South Asia Partnership Pakistan said that it was a proper registered entity. The House due to lack of quorum later pointed out was adjourned for 9:00 am Friday by the Chair.
Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly, Qasim Zia later addressing a press conference in the Assembly premises castigated present government for its dictatorial rule.