Treasury and opposition benches jointly voiced strong criticism in the Punjab Assembly over alleged irregularities and discrimination in the distribution of government aid to flood-affected people in the province. PML-N lawmaker Khalid Mahmood drew the attention of the House to what he termed ‘unjust conduct’ by local authorities, claiming that impoverished families without land ownership documents have been denied relief assistance. “In my constituency, people who do not own land are being excluded from the financial aid programme,” he said. “These are poor citizens who have suffered losses but cannot afford to buy land.” Mahmood said local administrations were restricting payments only to registered landowners — a policy he described as ‘deeply unfair and contrary to the spirit of public welfare’. He urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to ensure that the landless and vulnerable are also included in the compensation process. Responding to his concerns, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman clarified that the chief minister had already directed authorities to compensate residents of riverine areas by providing both alternate land and financial aid. “It is not true that only landowners will be compensated,” he asserted. “Those who lost their homes will receive between Rs500,000 and Rs1 million, while individuals who lost land or livestock will also be paid accordingly.” Rehman further assured the assembly that he would personally consult the relevant departments and provide an update on the issue. Also Read: LHC takes up plea against 40% tax on sanitary pads Meanwhile, opposition MPA Rana Shahbaz alleged that the survey process to identify flood-affected families was being manipulated in his constituency. “Patwaris and tehsildars are favouring certain landlords while excluding others,” he claimed, adding that individuals affiliated with PTI and PPP were being deliberately removed from the lists. In response, Minister Rehman acknowledged that the survey in some severely affected regions was still incomplete but assured that ‘compensation cheques will be issued as soon as the process concludes’. Separately, PML-N legislator Ahmed Iqbal highlighted that Punjab faces multiple recurring crises throughout the year — including heatwaves, floods, heavy rains, and now smog. “These problems did not emerge overnight and cannot be resolved overnight,” he remarked, urging the government to make ‘rational and long-term’ policy decisions. He also criticised the School Education Department’s new 8:45 am start time, saying it clashes with office hours and worsens traffic congestion. Rehman responded that he would take up the matter with the department for reconsideration. Later, the opposition pointed out the lack of quorum in the House. With the government benches failing to meet the required number, Panel of Chairpersons Samiullah Khan adjourned the session until October 28 at 2 pm.
from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/WQtBR68
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