The Punjab Assembly session on Monday was adjourned after the treasury failed to maintain a quorum, amid protests from both government and opposition members and a press gallery boycott over remarks by an opposition lawmaker deemed derogatory to the media.
The session, presided over by Panel Chairman Samiullah Khan, faced disruptions as members protested the absence of secretaries during the Question Hour. Written queries regarding the Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Department and the Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Department were on the agenda.
On provincial affairs, treasury MPA Ahsan Raza drew attention to a pressing issue, expressing concerns over the literacy situation in Punjab.
He stated that nearly 50 million people in the province are illiterate and urged the government to expand rather than close the Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Department.
Raza highlighted comparative literacy rates, noting 86% in Indian Punjab and 52% in Afghanistan, emphasizing the urgent need for improved educational policies and outreach programs.
Parliamentary Secretary Naveed Ashraf added that 20,273 non-formal schools were operating in Punjab with over 680,000 students enrolled, and the province’s overall literacy rate had reached 66%, while free education up to the primary level was being provided in line with the Punjab Textbook Board syllabus.
Tensions escalated during the session when PTI MPA retired Col Shoaib Aamir made remarks considered insulting to the media, leading to a boycott by press gallery members demanding a public apology.
Aamir criticized the Speaker’s neutrality and condemned the treatment of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister during his visit, while Law Minister Sohaib Bharath defended the arrangements and security provided to the KP CM.
The session concluded with opposition member Ijaz Shafi pointing out the lack of quorum, prompting the chair to adjourn the proceedings for Tuesday.