Overview
- The Punjab Assembly used a new e-Assembly system in a full sitting on Monday, with 380 specially coded tablets provided under the European Union’s IP-5 Programme installed at members’ desks.
- Routine business continued digitally as newly elected MPA Zafar Abbas Khan took the oath and several ordinances and bills were introduced and formally referred to standing committees for review.
- The session experienced immediate friction when opposition members protested over wheat growers’ issues and treasury benches failed to meet quorum, prompting the Speaker to rebuke the Chief Whip and temporarily adjourn proceedings.
- A two-hour pre-session training was held to aid adoption and officials said a small number of hard copies will remain during a phased rollout while the system is strengthened.
- Officials say the move could save millions of rupees and cut paper use, but its wider success will depend on fixing technical and procedural gaps, improving member attendance, and building trust in the digital workflow.