By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: In the Punjab Assembly session held under the chairmanship of Acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Chanar, the government announced financial assistance for flood-affected areas. PML-N member Mehwish Sultana urged the government to declare the flood-hit districts as disaster zones.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman asked assembly members to identify the affected districts so that compensation could be provided to landowners who suffered losses. “The province has received above-average monsoon rains. The government has decided to offer financial support for the damages incurred,” he said. “Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will soon announce financial aid for the families of the deceased. Those facing financial loss will also be compensated,” he added.
During the session, MPA Ahsan Raza criticized the Auqaf Department for corruption, accusing trustees of misusing funds donated by philanthropists. Parliamentary Secretary Malik Waheed admitted to corruption within the Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department. “Which department is free of corruption? But we are trying to improve the system,” he said. He acknowledged the need for reforms and mentioned the creation of departments like CCD to bring change. “If any corruption case is pointed out, I will ensure it is audited and present the findings in the House,” he assured. He also revealed that Rs5 billion had been allocated for the construction and development of mosques and shrines in the 2025–26 Annual Development Programme (ADP).
Punjab Law Minister Sohaib Bharath presented several draft laws in the Assembly, including the Agricultural Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Horticulture Authority Punjab Bill 2025, and the Senior Citizens Welfare Punjab Bill 2025. Acting Speaker Zaheer Chanar referred all three bills to the relevant committees for review within two months.
The Assembly session was adjourned until Tuesday at 2:00 PM.
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