LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Saturday passed the FY2026-27 provincial budget, along with the Finance Bill 2026, despite a boycott by opposition lawmakers following heated protests inside the House.
The Assembly approved all 131 demands for grants, formally clearing the way for the implementation of the provincial budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar, began with a tribute to the Punjab government, police, Rangers, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and other law enforcement agencies for maintaining peace and security during Muharram.
Opposition Walks Out During Budget Proceedings
The budget session witnessed sharp exchanges between treasury and opposition members during the approval of budgetary grants.
Opposition lawmakers protested, alleging they were denied the opportunity to speak on the budget. They first raised slogans, pointed out a lack of quorum, and eventually staged a walkout, boycotting the proceedings before the final approval of the budget.
Following the opposition’s exit, the Assembly proceeded to unanimously approve all 131 demands for grants and passed the Finance Bill 2026.
Government Defends Budget and Development Agenda
Speaking on the floor of the House, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb defended the Punjab government’s performance and urged political parties not to politicize the arrangements made for Ashura.
She said the provincial government deployed 124,000 security personnel across Punjab to ensure peace during Muharram. According to the minister, authorities also used thermal drones, QR code monitoring systems, Safe City surveillance cameras, and other advanced technologies for the first time to strengthen security arrangements.
Highlighting the government’s development agenda, Aurangzeb said 437 development schemes had been launched, with more than 340 projects already approved. She added that work is progressing on projects related to infrastructure, environmental protection, climate change, smog control, forestry, clean drinking water, South Punjab, and public welfare.
The senior minister also criticized the opposition, claiming its members had failed to study the provincial budget before criticizing it.
Tense Atmosphere in the Assembly
The House remained tense throughout the proceedings as opposition members continued chanting slogans during Aurangzeb’s speech, while treasury lawmakers responded with counter-slogans.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Zeeshan Malik, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, and other government members also protested against the opposition during the session.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman requested the Deputy Speaker to suspend opposition members, alleging they had used inappropriate language and violated the understanding reached by the Business Advisory Committee regarding parliamentary decorum.
Budget Formally Approved
Despite the opposition boycott, the Punjab Assembly completed the legislative process by approving all 131 demands for grants and passing the Finance Bill 2026, formally adopting the FY2026-27 provincial budget.
Following the completion of the day’s agenda, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the session until Monday at 11:00 am.
