The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday passed seven bills by a majority vote, including amendments to traffic laws that reduce fines for several violations, while proceedings were marked by strong criticism over issues in the Minority Affairs and Human Rights Department.
The session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, began after a delay of more than two hours.
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The House approved the Motor Vehicles (Fourth Amendment) Bill 2026, under which fines for a number of traffic violations have been reduced. Motorcycle challans in certain cases have been lowered from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 1,000, with the maximum penalty capped at Rs. 2,000.
For rickshaws, fines for minor violations have been reduced from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 1,000, while serious violations will now carry a penalty of Rs. 2,000.
Similarly, fines for cars and jeeps have been reduced from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 2,000 for certain offences, while penalties for over-speeding remain unchanged. The amendments will take effect after approval by the Punjab governor.
During the Question Hour, lawmakers raised concerns about the Minority Affairs and Human Rights Department. Treasury member Tahir Parvez alleged that relief cheques issued to minority communities had bounced and presented several such cheques in the House.
The speaker expressed displeasure over the matter, stating that minorities are an integral part of society and directed the department to investigate and submit a report to the assembly on Thursday.
The assembly also passed the Social Security (Amendment) Bill, Public Sector Universities (Amendment) Bill, and Stamp (Amendment) Bill among the seven pieces of legislation. Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar later adjourned the session until Thursday morning.
