Punjab Assembly Session Delayed, Adjourned Over Health Secretary’s Absence; Debates Erupt on Hospital Vacancies & Military Triumph
Sahiwal Hospital Vacancies Spark Outrage in Punjab Assembly; Lawmakers Praise Military Victory in Operation Marsoos
LAHORE : The Punjab Assembly session on Wednesday commenced today after a 90-minute delay under Deputy Speaker Malik Zahir Iqbal Channar’s chairmanship, only to be adjourned within minutes due to the absence of the Specialized Health Secretary.
The session later resumed with fiery debates over critical healthcare vacancies, political unity, and Pakistan’s recent military success in Operation Marsoos
According to the details the Punjab Assembly session began an hour and a half late under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Malik Zahir Iqbal Channar. Shortly after commencement, the proceedings were adjourned for 15 minutes due to the absence of the Specialized Health Secretary.
The session was scheduled to address questions related to the Specialized Health Department when it was discovered that the Health Secretary was not present. Expressing displeasure, the Speaker directed the Health Secretary to appear immediately and adjourned the meeting for 15 minutes until his arrival.
The Punjab Assembly session resumed after a break under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Malik Zahid Iqbal Channar. During the proceedings, it was revealed that over 50% of positions in Sahiwal Teaching Hospital remain vacant, prompting strong criticism from government member Malik Arshad.
Expressing his concerns, Malik Arshad questioned how the health system could function under such conditions, stating that these positions have been vacant for two years. He demanded that Sahiwal's residents receive healthcare facilities on par with Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad. "How can three doctors manage the entire hospital's cardiac system? Patients are suffering and dying," he said, urging the government to provide a clear timeline for filling the vacancies.
Bilal Yamin highlighted that in the past, recruitment was decentralized, allowing appointments to be made at the district level. However, he pointed out that now all hiring in Punjab is centralized in Lahore, creating delays. He suggested that reverting to a decentralized system would streamline the process.
In response, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Rushda Lodhi assured that the vacancies would be filled soon, emphasizing that the health sector is a top priority for Punjab Chief Minister. "The health department is close to the Chief Minister's heart," she stated, reaffirming the government's commitment to resolving the issue promptly.
During the session, the opposition entered the assembly hall chanting slogans, including "Modi ka jo yaar hai, gaddar hai gaddar hai"(Whoever is Modi's ally is a traitor). Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker stated that the department has been informed that burn and children's health complexes will be established in every division over the next three years.
The Law Minister presented audit reports of town municipal committees for districts including Multan, Faisalabad, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar in the assembly. The Deputy Speaker referred the reports to the relevant committee for further review.
A day earlier, assembly members delivered speeches celebrating the success of "Operation Marsoos", paying tribute to the Pakistan Army and honoring the martyrs. Brigadier Mushtaq, participating in the debate, addressed the assembly, stating that the four-day war had revealed a strong alliance between Pakistan, China, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
Today, I want to say to the authorities—please do not deceive China anymore," he emphasized. "China has always stood by us in difficult times, yet we abandon China first and join other alliances."
He noted that political unity was also visible during this war and stressed that it must continue. "
Until there is political stability in the country, the economy cannot improve," he said. "I urge political parties to let go of anger and work for the nation’s progress."
Opposition member Nadia Khar, an opposition member, praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for crushing the enemy's head during her address in the assembly. She stated that while personal differences exist, the nation stands united for the homeland. "The enemy forgot the rules of war and attacked places of worship," she said, adding that on such occasions, even the founder of PTI should have been among them.
Shoaib Siddiqui, a member of the IPP, expressed admiration for the Army Chief, Air Chief, and Naval Chief in his speech. He highlighted that not only was Operation Marsoos successful on May 10, but it also destroyed India's air and defense systems. "This is Pakistan's victory, both militarily and diplomatically," he said, emphasizing that discussions on the Indus Water Treaty and the Kashmir issue will now take place. He lamented that some on social media continue to criticize the military.
In his remarks, Assembly Member Adnan Chatha stated that the bravery of Pakistan Air Force personnel would be taught in curricula for decades to come. "The entire world witnessed India pleading for a ceasefire within hours," he said. "Does India want progress or destruction? India must decide for itself. Whatever path India chooses, Pakistan will respond accordingly."
Government member Timur Lalai, while speaking in the assembly, said that today we sleep peacefully only because of the Pakistan Army. We desire peace, whereas Modi does not want peace. An example of this is that Modi targeted the civilian population.
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