The agenda for the first sitting of the 34th Punjab Assembly session has officially been issued, setting the stage for a crucial round of provincial politics. The move comes at a time when the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) is strengthening its exit strategy and reshaping its role inside the legislature.
The session’s agenda lists key items such as the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, a motion of thanks on the Governor’s address, and the constitution of various house committees. Observers note that the timing is significant: the agenda lands just as the PTI is withdrawing from parliamentary oversight. In a major decision, party founder Imran Khan directed all PTI lawmakers in Punjab to resign from standing committees.
The agenda also includes debates on government policy and financial business for the province in the coming year. The expectation is that the session will move swiftly, particularly because the majority party intends to capitalise on its legislative numbers before opposition forces mobilise. Analysts believe that by announcing the agenda first, the ruling bloc wants to frame the narrative in its favour.
Meanwhile, the PTI’s exit, where its members will quit committee roles, marks a tactical shift. As reported, the party has begun to position itself outside conventional legislative channels, possibly to signal non‑participation in normal government business.
Political watchers say that the agenda’s issuance and the PTI pull‑out are interconnected. The agenda ensures formal business goes ahead, while the PTI’s gestures ensure that the debate and oversight tools are bypassed by that party. The lawmakers’ resignations from committees may reduce internal friction for the ruling bloc but could also loosen accountability.
From a procedural standpoint, the session is likely to be relatively short and tightly scheduled. Given the agenda’s focus and the party dynamics, expect motions, voting, and limited deliberation rather than lengthy debate. With the PTI sidelining itself from committee work, the question remains whether the remaining legislators will press for more substantive engagement or accept a smoother legislative flow.
In all, the agenda for the 34th Punjab Assembly session has set the scene for what might be a fast‑moving legislative event, shaped as much by what is not happening (PTI withdrawals) as by what is.
