By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly session witnessed the presentation of two draft laws while the government faced strong criticism from the opposition over the prevailing law and order situation.
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The session began under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Chanar, with Fateha offered for the martyrs of Iran, Gaza and Palestine, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, former senior parliamentarian Sardar Zulfikar Ali Khan Khosa, the sister of the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, and other deceased individuals.
During the proceedings, opposition member Ijaz Shafi alleged that the opposition leader and five members were detained for ten hours without justification. Responding to the claims, PPP member Mumtaz Chang stated that opposition members were not allowed to speak, FIRs were registered against them, and their homes were raided.
Government members strongly rejected the allegations. Law Minister Rana Iqbal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman defended the government, asserting that it remained fully present and accountable in the House. They also criticised the opposition for not taking parliamentary proceedings seriously.
During the question hour, members held a detailed discussion on the performance of the Excise Department, tax systems and penalties. The government maintained that the Capital Value Tax system is transparent and has significantly reduced corruption.
The session also saw the presentation of the Stamp (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 and the Punjab Forensic Science Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026.
After completing the agenda, the session was adjourned by Panel of Chairperson Samiullah Khan until 11am on Thursday.
