Treasury and Opposition MPs have jointly voiced strong criticism in the Punjab Assembly over allegations of irregularities and discrimination in the distribution of government aid to flood-affected people in the province.
PML-N MP Khalid Mahmood drew the House’s attention to what he called “unjust conduct” by local authorities, saying poor families without land titles were being denied humanitarian aid. “In my constituency, people who do not own land are excluded from the financial assistance program,” he said. “These are poor citizens who have suffered losses but cannot afford to buy land. »
Mahmood said local governments were limiting payments only to registered landowners – a policy he called “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, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman clarified that the chief minister had already directed the authorities to compensate residents of riverine areas by providing them with both alternative land and financial assistance.
“It is not true that only landowners will be compensated,” he said. “Those who lost their homes will receive between Rs 500,000 and Rs 1 million, while individuals who lost their land or livestock will also be paid accordingly. » Rehman further assured the gathering that he would personally consult with the concerned departments and provide an update on the matter.
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Meanwhile, Opposition MP Rana Shahbaz alleged that the survey process to identify flood-affected families was being manipulated in his constituency. “Patwaris and tehsildars favor some owners while excluding others,” he alleged, adding that individuals affiliated to the PTI and PPP were deliberately delisted.
In response, Minister Rehman acknowledged that the investigation in some badly affected areas was still incomplete, but assured that “compensation checks will be issued as soon as the process is completed.”
Meanwhile, PML-N lawmaker Ahmed Iqbal pointed out that Punjab faces multiple recurring crises throughout the year, including heatwaves, floods, heavy rains and now smog. “These problems did not arise overnight and cannot be resolved overnight,” he noted, urging the government to make “rational and long-term” policy decisions.
He also criticized the School Education Department’s new opening time of 8:45 a.m., saying it conflicts with office hours and worsens traffic jams. Rehman responded that he would take the matter to the ministry for reconsideration.
Later, the opposition highlighted the lack of quorum in the House. As the government benches failed to reach the required number, the Samiullah Khan Group of Speakers adjourned the session until October 28 at 2 p.m.
