During a crucial session in the Punjab Assembly, Irrigation Minister Kazim Pirzada disclosed that the Punjab government has eliminated 30,000 positions in compliance with International Monetary Fund (IMF) requirements.
The assembly session, presided over by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, witnessed significant protests from opposition members.
Entering the hall with placards and slogans, opposition representatives expressed their discontent over various governance issues.
Despite the speaker’s call for decorum, tensions escalated, leading to an opposition walkout in response to the arrest of PTI Senator Aun Abbas Bappi.
In an effort to restore parliamentary order, Law Minister Sohaib Bherat and Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique were tasked with persuading the opposition to return to the discussion.
Farmers Struggle with Water Shortages
A significant portion of the assembly debate revolved around Punjab’s irrigation system, a critical issue affecting thousands of farmers. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan highlighted the worsening water shortages and the urgent need for infrastructural improvements in the sector.
Minister Kazim Pirzada acknowledged the dire state of Punjab’s irrigation canals, stating that the system—originally designed to support 67% of the province’s agricultural land—has been operating below capacity due to financial limitations and risks of breaches.
The session also saw concerns raised regarding ongoing drainage projects. Government member Amjad Ali Javed questioned the effectiveness of projects in Jhang and Toba Tek Singh, urging the authorities to assess their impact and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
One of the key criticisms was the lack of coordination between the irrigation department and other governmental bodies.
Clarifications on Canal Cleaning and Soil Disposal Practices
The assembly also debated the disposal of soil removed during canal cleaning, a practice known as “bhal”.
Beyond discussions on job cuts and irrigation challenges, the session also saw the introduction of seven new legislative bills, aimed at addressing various administrative and regulatory concerns in the province.
Opposition lawmakers have strongly criticized the Punjab government’s decision to eliminate 30,000 jobs, arguing that such measures will increase unemployment and worsen the economic crisis.
