The Punjab Assembly witnessed heated arguments during the 2026-27 budget debate on Friday. Opposition lawmakers criticised reduced social sector allocations. Meanwhile, government ministers defended the budget as welfare-focused.
They claimed it would improve public services and accelerate development across Punjab. The session started after a delay of nearly ninety minutes.
Government Defends Welfare-Oriented Budget
Opposition MPA Ejaz Shafi called the budget a numbers game during his speech. He argued that agriculture, education, health and special education received lower development funds. Consequently, he warned that farmers, students and ordinary citizens would suffer.
However, Information Minister Azma Bukhari rejected the criticism. She accused the opposition of ignoring meaningful debate for political purposes.
Furthermore, Bukhari highlighted several flagship government initiatives. These included electric buses, the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme and Green Tractor Programme. She also mentioned laptop distribution and student scholarship programmes.
Opposition Raises Governance and Transparency Concerns
Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin also defended the government’s performance during the session. He said Punjab was witnessing record development projects across multiple sectors.
Moreover, he highlighted improvements in healthcare, sanitation and road infrastructure. He added that farmers and citizens continued receiving direct government relief.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers Farrukh Javed Moon and Moin Riaz Qureshi criticised governance and election transparency. They also raised concerns about the wheat crisis and alleged corruption.
Additionally, Qureshi demanded an impartial investigation into a young girl’s death during a CCD firing incident in Chakwal. The House also discussed South Punjab’s rights, farmers’ issues and ongoing development projects.
Finally, Panel of Chairpersons member Raja Shaukat Bhatti adjourned the session until Monday at 11am after completing the agenda.
