LAHORE - On the second consecutive day, the Punjab Assembly echoed with sharp criticism as both the treasury and opposition lawmakers expressed concern over the government’s handling of the wheat support price and other agricultural issues.
Punjab Minister for Agriculture Ashiq Kirmani’s absence from the Assembly was conspicuous as the Punjab farmers won across the aisle support for their cause. The session, chaired by Samiullah Khan from the Panel of Chairpersons, began 47 minutes late and quickly descended into chaos due to the absence of relevant ministers and unsatisfactory responses from government representatives.
Tensions flared when no minister was present to respond during the question hour and the ensuing Assembly debate on wheat policy. Chief Whip of the Opposition, Rana Shehbaz criticized the government’s approach with a sharp metaphor, saying, “We know it’s like playing the flute before a buffalo—but at least bring the buffalo!” This prompted former Speaker and current treasury MPA Rana Iqbal to object, calling the comment unparliamentary. He demanded the term “buffalo” be struck from the record.
But, surprisingly, the PML-N lawmaker also criticized his party’s ministers. “Ministers don’t seem interested in attending the Assembly at all,” he said, expressing his own disappointment with the government’s internal discipline. Chairperson Samiullah Khan also expressed anger over Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Usama Leghari’s unsatisfactory answers during the question hour. He criticized the government’s tendency to refer matters to committees rather than answering directly in the House.
Subsequently, questions related to Faisalabad Ayub Research Centre and Agricultural University were handed over to a committee with a two-month deadline for reports. During the debate on wheat policy, former mines minister and PML-N leader Sher Ali Khan slammed the govt for what he called betraying the farmers.
Ali Haider Gillani, an ally of the government, also voiced dismay, questioning the purpose of cultivating wheat on 15 million acres if the government cannot even announce a support price. Ruling party member Syed Aamir Ali Shah painted a grim picture of the future for Punjab farmers.
Opposition MPA Tashkur Abbas Warraich expressed outrage over the govt’s narrative, claiming that farmers were unjustly labeled as a mafia. He called wheat prices of Rs 2,200 per maund an insult to those who feed the nation. He urged the House to look at India’s seed policy and subsidies for fertilisers like urea and DAP, saying that Indian farmers are thriving under these measures.
In a bold statement, ruling MPA Salahuddin Khosa said, “If I have to choose between representing my constituency or the government, I will stand with my people.” Khosa highlighted corruption in the Food department and stressed the need for a better policy for farmers. Opposition MPA Hassan Buttar brought attention to economic potential, revealing that Indian farmers contribute 71 percent to the GDP from agriculture, while Pakistani farmers contribute only 39 percent. Sharing on-ground realities, he said he had returned from his home town Minchinabad selling wheat at Rs 2,200 per maund. Another treasury MPA Jafar Hoochha urged the government to offer reasonable support to wheat growers.
In the meanwhile, the news of the arrest of Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bachhar sparked protest in the House. Rana Shehbaz, Chief Whip of the opposition, informed the House of the opposition leader’s arrest outside Adiala Jail. He demanded an immediate inquiry and resolution of the issue. “This is unacceptable. We request the House to take notice and resolve this matter at once,” said Shehbaz.
The opposition began protesting and this led to loud slogans and a walkout by opposition members. A heated exchange also erupted between government MPA Uzma Kardar and opposition legislators during the protest. After the opposition’s walkout and protest over the arrest of leaders, MPA Sheikh Imtiaz pointed out lack of quorum. Despite the bell ringing for five minutes, the quorum was not met. Panel Chair Agha Ali Haider subsequently adjourned the session until 2 PM on April 18.