The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday witnessed an active legislative session on the occasion of Private Members’ Day, with several important education and development bills presented and a number of key measures passed by majority vote.
The session, chaired by Panel Chairperson Samiullah Khan, began with the introduction of several university-related bills aimed at promoting higher education and research opportunities across the province.
Government Member Rana Muhammad Arshad presented the Oriental International University Bill 2025 and the Maqbar University of Science and Technology Gujarat Amendment Bill 2025, both of which were referred to the relevant committees for two months of review. Similarly, Syed Ali Haider Gilani introduced the Bahauddin Zakaria University Amendment Bill 2025, while Tariq Subhani presented the University of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Sciences Bill 2025—each referred for detailed consideration.
The Assembly also took up the Punjab Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education Amendment Ordinance 2025, presented by Punjab Law Minister Rana Muhammad Iqbal, and referred it to the relevant committee for examination.
In addition to new bills, the House successfully passed several key pieces of legislation. The National University of Toba Tek Singh Bill 2025, introduced by Rao Kashif Rahim, received majority approval. The Punjab Destitute and Neglected Children Amendment Bill 2025, moved by Rana Muhammad Arshad, was also passed, signaling the government’s commitment to child welfare and education reform.
The Assembly further approved the Grand Asian University Sialkot Amendment Bill 2025, presented by Rahila Khadim Hussain, the Royal University of Management Information and Sciences Bill 2025 introduced by Soumya Atta, and the Ganj Shakar University Bill 2025, also presented by Rana Muhammad Arshad.
Other approved measures included the Imperial Tutoring College University Amendment Bill 2025, moved by Sara Ahmed, and the Global University Kamalia Bill 2025, presented by Shaukat Raja.
Additionally, new proposals such as the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority Bill 2025, the Punjab Mines and Minerals Bill 2025, and the Sugarcane Research and Development Board Bill 2025 were tabled for consideration, reflecting the government’s focus on promoting economic development, tourism, and agricultural research.
Panel Chairperson Samiullah Khan commended the active participation of members and emphasized the importance of legislative progress in strengthening Punjab’s education and development sectors.
The Assembly is expected to reconvene for committee reviews on the referred bills in the coming months.
Reporter: Rao Dilshad