Punjab Lawmakers Object Proposal to Ban E-Challan Defaulters From Getting Essential Services
The second sitting of the 45th session of the Punjab Assembly saw strong objections from lawmakers over the proposed role of police in recovering e-challan fines. At the same time, concerns were also raised about the Suthra Punjab program.
Presiding over the session, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan began proceedings after a delay of around two hours.
During the debate, opposition member Rana Aftab Ahmed strongly opposed proposals related to police involvement in e-challan recovery.
He questioned the authority under which the chief traffic officer had suggested shifting the recovery process to the police and linking fine payment with various services.
The speaker also expressed concern, saying that giving authority to withhold default drivers’ passports would amount to an overreach of power.
Later in the session, opposition member Shazia Abid raised concerns about the Suthra Punjab program. She alleged underpayment to workers and said many employees were resigning from the initiative.
The assembly also discussed public issues, including flood damage in one constituency, where opposition member Sardar Shahabuddin said that hundreds of homes had been washed away and thousands of families had been displaced.
The speaker directed Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique to coordinate with the concerned deputy commissioners and report back to the house.
Despite the heated debate, the assembly unanimously passed a resolution welcoming the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
However, when government business was about to continue, opposition member retired Col Shoaib Amir pointed out the lack of quorum.
The chair suspended the sitting for five minutes, but when proceedings resumed, the required number of lawmakers was still not present.
The speaker then adjourned the assembly until Tuesday at 2 pm.
The post Punjab Lawmakers Object Proposal to Ban E-Challan Defaulters From Getting Essential Services appeared first on ProPakistani.
