By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE, October 27 — Members of the Punjab Assembly strongly criticized the government for not providing flood relief assistance in an impartial manner, prompting Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan to direct Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman to ensure fair and timely compensation for the victims.
Government MPA Khalid Mahmood objected that the aid announced for flood victims was not being distributed without favoritism. Opposition members endorsed his view, accusing the government of selectively helping preferred individuals and terming its public announcements as mere showmanship.
Responding to the criticism, Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman informed the House that the government is providing Rs 20,000 per acre to affected farmers and between Rs 500,000 and Rs 1 million for house reconstruction.
Assembly members also raised concerns over the revised school timings introduced due to smog, saying simultaneous start times for schools and offices were worsening traffic congestion. The minister assured that he would take up the issue with the Education Department to review the timings.
Meanwhile, the post-budget debate could not commence for the second consecutive day due to lack of quorum, leading the Speaker to adjourn the session until 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
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