In a recent Punjab Assembly session, Irrigation Minister Kazim Pirzada confirmed that the Punjab government has cut 30,000 jobs as part of the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The decision was announced during the Question Hour, where intense discussions took place on various issues, including Punjab’s irrigation system.
Opposition Walkout Over PTI Senator’s Arrest
The session, led by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, saw strong opposition protests. Opposition members entered the hall holding placards and chanting slogans. The speaker reminded them to maintain order, referring to prior agreements in the Business Advisory Committee meeting. Although the opposition initially complied, they later staged a walkout in protest against the arrest of PTI Senator Aun Abbas Bappi.
In an attempt to resolve the matter, Law Minister Sohaib Bherat and Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique were tasked with bringing the opposition back into the session.
Punjab’s Struggling Irrigation System
A major discussion point was the worsening condition of Punjab’s irrigation system. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan voiced concerns about water shortages affecting farmers and urged the government to take immediate action.
Minister Kazim Pirzada acknowledged that the province’s canal system is outdated and underfunded. Originally built to serve 67% of Punjab’s agricultural land, it is now struggling to function efficiently. Due to a lack of resources, the system cannot operate at full capacity without risking canal breaches. However, the minister assured the assembly that efforts are underway to improve the irrigation network within the year.
Concerns Over Drainage Projects
Government member Amjad Ali Javed raised concerns regarding ongoing drainage projects in the Jhang and Toba Tek Singh districts. He questioned the effectiveness of these projects, sparking further debate on whether public funds were being utilized efficiently.
Additionally, the speaker pointed out a lack of coordination between the irrigation department and its secretary, which has caused delays in solving key issues like the Ravi siphon.
Clarification on Canal Cleaning Process
The discussion also touched on canal maintenance. One key issue raised was the disposal of soil removed during the cleaning process, known as “bhal.” Some speculated that this soil was being sold for commercial use. However, Minister Pirzada denied such claims, explaining that the soil is used for reinforcing canal banks and is also distributed among farmers.
Introduction of New Legislative Bills
During the session, the Punjab government introduced seven new bills, including:
- Punjab Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Ordinance 2025
- Punjab Local Government Bill 2025
- Punjab Narcotic Substances Control Bill 2025
These bills have been forwarded to the relevant committees for further review before approval.
Session Adjourned Until March 10
Following the heated debates, the session was officially adjourned until Monday, March 10. The discussions highlighted key concerns regarding job cuts, irrigation issues, and legislative developments, setting the stage for further political and economic debates in the coming sessions.
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