The Punjab Assembly witnessed a swift reversal on the issue of agricultural income tax, as Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan reinstated tax notifications just a day after declaring them unconstitutional.
Read More: PA speaker declares agri tax notification null and void
The session, which began with a delay of two hours, saw the House unanimously approve a motion presented by Law Minister Rana Iqbal to condone the delay in presenting the notifications. This move effectively restored the revised agricultural income tax rates that had been suspended a day earlier.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan rejects agricultural tax notification, declares it null and void in Punjab Assembly.
He stated that only the elected legislature has the authority to impose taxes. He emphasized that no executive body, including the Board of Revenue, can levy taxes.… pic.twitter.com/gSVatdDX5L
— Bloom Pakistan (@bloom_pakistan) April 21, 2026
Explaining the shift, the speaker said the initial ruling was based on procedural concerns, as the notifications had not been formally presented before the Assembly despite ongoing discussions in a relevant committee. He noted that the issuance of a statutory regulatory order during committee deliberations had created confusion over legal authority.
A day earlier, the Assembly had asserted parliamentary supremacy by declaring the tax notifications “illegal, unconstitutional and void ab initio.” The ruling had halted all collections under the revised tax regime, with the speaker emphasising that taxation powers lie solely with the legislature and cannot be exercised by the executive without due approval.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the House chose to overlook the delay and proceeded with reinstating the notifications, marking a significant policy turnaround within 24 hours.
The session also included routine parliamentary business. During Question Hour, members raised concerns about healthcare challenges, including the migration of doctors and unfilled positions in public hospitals.
Read More: No compromise on supremacy of assembly: PA speaker
Additionally, several legislative measures were introduced, including the Punjab Film City Authority Bill 2026 and proposals for establishing seven private universities. Resolutions were also passed supporting the construction of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital and calling for the devolution of the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution to provinces. The session was later adjourned until Wednesday morning.