In a significant development, Punjab’s Irrigation Minister Kazim Pirzada disclosed during the Question Hour in the Punjab Assembly that the provincial government has eliminated 30,000 government jobs in compliance with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) requirements.
Opposition Protests and Walkouts
The assembly session, which was chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, was all about heated discussions and protests. Opposition members had stepped in the hall carrying placards and chanting slogans, protesting various government actions.
The speaker urged them to respect the decorum of the house, reminding them of the agreements made in the Business Advisory Committee meeting. While the opposition initially lowered their placards, they later staged a walkout in protest against the arrest of PTI Senator Aun Abbas Bappi.
To defuse tensions and bring the opposition back, Law Minister Sohaib Bherat and Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique were tasked with negotiations.
Debate on Punjab’s Irrigation Crisis
The major focus of the session was on irrigation system of the Province Punjab, as Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan has raised some concerns over severe water shortages that are highly affecting the farmers. Muhammad Ahmed Khan emphasized the urgent requirement for government intervention to address these challenges.
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Minister Pirzada acknowledged that Punjab’s irrigation infrastructure is outdated and struggling to meet demands. He explained that while the canal system was originally designed to serve 67% of the land, it is currently operating below capacity due to risks of breaches. Despite financial constraints, he assured the house that improvements are being planned for the current year.
Government member Amjad Ali Javed also raised concerns about ongoing drainage projects in Jhang and Toba Tek Singh, questioning their effectiveness. Meanwhile, the speaker criticized the lack of coordination between the irrigation secretary and the department, citing delays in addressing critical issues such as the Ravi siphon.
Clarification on Canal Cleaning Process
The discussion also touched on canal maintenance, particularly the disposal of soil removed during cleaning, known as “bhal.” Minister Pirzada clarified that this soil is used to reinforce canal banks and is made available to farmers, refuting claims that it is being sold for profit.
New Bills Introduced
Nearly, 7 new legislative bills have been introduced by the assembly, which are mentioned below:
• Punjab Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Ordinance 2025
• Punjab Local Government Bill 2025
• Punjab Narcotic Substances Control Bill 2025
All bills were referred to the relevant committees for further review.
The session was adjourned until Monday, March 10, with expectations of further debates on critical provincial matters.