At the Punjab Assembly’s Question Hour, Irrigation Minister Kazim Pirzada announced that 30,000 jobs have been ended to meet International Monetary Fund requirements.
During the session led by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, opposition members entered the hall with signs and chants. They lowered their signs after the speaker’s request but later boycotted the session over the arrest of PTI Senator Aun Abbas Bappi. Law Minister Sohaib Bherat and Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique then worked to bring the opposition back.
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The discussion turned to irrigation challenges. Pirzada explained that Punjab’s aging canal system, built to serve 67 percent of the land, now operates below capacity due to risks of breaches and limited funds. He promised improvements later this year. Members also questioned drainage projects in Jhang and Toba Tek Singh and mentioned delays with issues like the Ravi siphon.
Regarding canal cleaning, Pirzada stated that the soil, known as “bhal,” is used to reinforce canal banks and support farmers, dismissing claims that it is sold commercially.
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Seven new bills were introduced, including the Punjab Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, the Punjab Local Government Bill 2025, and the Punjab Narcotic Substances Control Bill 2025. These bills have been sent to the relevant committees for review.
The session will resume on Monday, March 10.
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