The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution to establish a parliamentary system akin to that of the federation, along with the establishment of a Senate.

The session also witnessed strong condemnation of the Lahore police for allegedly harassing and unlawfully detaining the son and niece of PPP lawmaker Shazia Abid.

Meanwhile, the opposition leader took the government to task over its agricultural policies.

The assembly session, following tradition, commenced with a delay of three hours and fifty minutes. However, due to the absence of provincial ministers and the concerned parliamentary secretary, the question hour was postponed.

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During the zero hour, PPP legislator Shazia Abid raised the issue that Johar Town police had unlawfully detained her son while he was returning from university and demanded a bribe of Rs200,000 for his release.

Given the gravity of the matter, the deputy speaker immediately referred the case to the privilege committee.

In the session, government member Amjad Ali Javed tabled a resolution advocating for a bicameral system in Punjab, arguing that a structure similar to the federal model would improve governance. The resolution was passed with a majority vote.

Discussing wheat cultivation, the opposition leader criticised the government’s policies, calling them anti-farmer and blaming them for worsening conditions for agricultural workers.

Responding to the criticism, Agriculture Minister Aashiq Kirmani stated that 650,000 farmers had been issued Kisan Cards, enabling purchases worth Rs50 billion so far.

Additionally, Amjad Ali Javed raised concerns over the non-implementation of the minimum wage of Rs37,000 for labourers, aiming for the education department and other government institutions for non-compliance.

The resolution was collaboratively prepared by PML-N leader Samiullah Khan and Ali Haider of the PPP.

The resolution highlights that Punjab’s population is officially recorded at 124 million. Only 11 countries have larger populations than the province.

It further stressed that “effective governance” and consultation in such a populous province necessitated the involvement of experts and representatives from diverse fields, enabling them to contribute to the province’s development based on their skills and experience.

The resolution pointed out that the existing constitutional framework “does not support” the initiative. The Punjab Assembly urged the federal government to amend the Constitution of Pakistan to facilitate the introduction of a bicameral system in Punjab.

As part of this proposal, in addition to the lower house of the Punjab Assembly, the establishment of an upper house, referred to as the “Punjab Council,” is suggested.

The council would be comprised of nominated or elected experts and representatives from various sectors to aid in the province’s administrative governance.

Following the completion of the agenda, the Punjab Assembly session was adjourned until Wednesday at 11am.