LAHORE: A draft bill to amend the Punjab Agricultural Income Tax 2024 was presented in the Punjab Assembly on Monday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman introduced the bill. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan referred the bill to the relevant standing committee for consideration. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MPA Neelum Jabbar has submitted a resolution to ban shopping bags, citing the harmful effects of polythene bags on the environment. These bags don’t decompose in soil and damage crops by blocking the soil’s pores, ultimately harming agricultural productivity The resolution urges the government to impose a complete ban on shopping bags to prevent environmental pollution and promote eco-friendly alternatives. The resolution highlights the urgent need to address the issue, as polythene bags contribute significantly to environmental degradation. By banning shopping bags, Pakistan can reduce plastic waste, promote sustainable practices, and protect its natural resources. Speaking on the point of order opposition member Rana Aftab Ahmed Khan has requested to install air purifiers in the Punjab Assembly to combat smog. Ahmed pointed out that the Environmental Department has made it mandatory for all high-rise buildings to install air purifiers. He said that Punjab Assembly area is one of the worst-affected regions by smog, Ahmed urged that air purifiers be installed in the assembly as well. The situation is dire, with over 35,000 people hospitalized due to smog-related issues, and medicines running low. This measure would help mitigate the harmful effects of smog on the health of assembly members and staff. By installing air purifiers, the assembly can contribute to improving air quality and protecting the well-being of those within its premises. Government member Amjad Ali Javed stated that discussions are underway to increase salaries in the country, which is facing economic challenges. However, he pointed out that judges’ salaries were recently increased overnight, while ordinary citizens face budget cuts and layoffs from institutions to save government funds. During the Punjab Assembly session, Parliamentary Secretary Hassan Askari…