Punjab Assembly Debates Luxury Jet, Law Reforms

LAHORE (Web Desk) – A stormy session of the Punjab Assembly witnessed heated debates over the provincial government’s acquisition of a new aircraft, the arrest of opposition lawmakers, and the tabling of multiple legislative reforms.

The controversy surrounding the Rs11 billion aircraft dominated proceedings, with PPP MPA Shazia Abid questioning whether it would serve official visits to South Punjab. Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari defended the purchase, arguing that the provincial government was entitled to use its aircraft as deemed appropriate, citing precedent set by Sindh’s leadership.

Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi demanded clarification on which budgetary head financed the plane, questioning whether it was intended for “Air Punjab” or exclusively for the chief minister. He called the acquisition unnecessary amid ongoing economic challenges, prompting desk-thumping and protests from opposition members. Government Chief Whip Rana Arshad countered, citing the use of official aircraft by chief ministers in other provinces.

The Assembly also debated the alleged arrest of nine opposition MPAs without the Speaker’s approval. MPA Sardar Sarfraz Dogar claimed he was unlawfully detained for three days and booked in a “false FIR,” alleging contempt of parliamentary procedure. Treasury members responded by accusing the opposition of double standards, citing prior arrests of political figures, including Maryam Nawaz.

On departmental matters, Minister Azma Bukhari announced plans to purchase a modern building for the Information and Public Relations Department and confirmed the relocation of the Punjab Journalists Housing Foundation (PJHF) office to Press Club Society. She also launched a departmental restructuring drive, promising merit-based staffing and elimination of redundant positions.

In the law-and-order debate, Parliamentary Secretary Khalid Mahmood Ranjha highlighted reductions in crime rates, including fewer rape cases, recovery of illegal weapons, and operations against gangs in Katcha areas. Opposition members disputed these claims, citing political victimisation and alleged suppression.

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The Assembly also tabled several legislative measures, which were referred to committees for review, including:

• Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026

• Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property (Amendment) Ordinance 2026

• Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Ordinance 2026

• Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Ordinance 2026

• Punjab Waqf, Trust and Cooperative Societies (Monitoring) Bill 2026

• Punjab Sales Tax on Services (Amendment) Bill 2026

• Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess (Amendment) Bill 2026

Amendments to the Punjab Employees Social Security Ordinance 1965 were also tabled to align the law with the revised minimum wage of Rs40,000. The proposed changes aim to validate contributions since July 2022 and prevent an estimated Rs24 billion loss to the provincial exchequer. Following committee review and gubernatorial approval, these amendments will be enacted as the Punjab Provincial Employees Social Security (Amendment) Act 2026.