LAHORE/RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Assembly passed record legislation in the present term despite strong numbers of the opposition according to the minister for law, parliamentary affairs, social welfare and Bait ul Maal in Punjab, Raja Basharat.
The Punjab Assembly passed 63 important bills in 24 sessions during the last two years.
“We have amended the Sugar Control Act of 1950 to stop the years-long exploitation of farmers by the sugar mafia. Now, the sugar mills would run on time and the farmer would get the full price of sugarcane on time,” Basharat said.
According to Raja Basharat, the Punjab Ravi Urban Development Act would be a game-changer in economic and social terms. He said the new Local Government Act of Punjab would devolve power to the local bodies.
“We have changed the centuries-old laws of cooperatives and prisons into truly people-friendly,” he added. “Now, the properties of Punjab Cooperatives Liquidation Board worth trillions of rupees could be put to better use by relinquishing illegal possessions”, he asserted.
He said that on the directives of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, the government departments had been directed to formulate their rules within six months of the passage of the respective law.
Raja Basharat pledged that the Punjab Police, as well as Rescue 1122, would get new vehicles, additional funds, allowances and benefits. He said that all government measures, including the struggle against COVID-19, were given legal protection on the orders of the Chief Minister.
Basharat said that financial assistance of Rs 124 million was given to Punjab Bar Council, Lahore High Court Bar and sub-bars including DG Khan District Bar to deal with COVID-19.
Describing the performance of Social Welfare and Baitul Maal department, Basharat said that Rs 230 million had been allocated for the construction of shelter homes in Lahore and various other cities.
Commenting on the record legislation passed by the law ministry, PTI leader Ahmed Nasir Raja told The Pakistan Daily, “Leaders like Muhammad Basharat Raja are an inspiration and role models for young politicians. Parliamentarians are legislators and they are the voice of their constituents in the assembly.
“If they all focus on real issues that matter and present legislation accordingly, they can change the lives of the people they represent in true essence.”
PTI leader Behroze Kamal Raja was also present on the occasion.
