State Minister Bilal Kiani Counters PTI Lawmaker’s Question on Solar Relief in National Assembly

Islamabad: A heated exchange took place during a session of the National Assembly of Pakistan when Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani responded to questions regarding government relief measures for solar energy users.

The session began with opposition member Iqbal Afridi repeatedly pointing out a lack of quorum. Initially ignored by the Speaker, the issue later led to a formal count and temporary suspension of proceedings until the quorum was completed.

After the session resumed, lawmaker Samina Khalid Ghurki questioned how under-invoicing in solar imports was being monitored. Bilal Kayani replied that according to the Federal Board of Revenue, no under-invoicing had been detected in solar imports.

PTI member Shehryar Afridi then asked what relief the government planned to provide to ordinary citizens regarding solar energy.

In response, Bilal Kayani said the government would not repeat the mistakes allegedly made during the previous PTI administration. He stated that despite limited resources, the government had provided subsidies worth Rs129 billion to encourage solar energy adoption.

Meanwhile, Asad Qaiser raised concerns over a major power outage from Burhan to Swabi due to damaged transmission lines.

Minister of State Wajeeha Qamar assured the assembly that electricity would likely be restored by the night, adding that recent storms had caused the disruption. She said a 220 KVA grid station was being developed to address the issue permanently.

During the session, Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai demanded clarity on when Imran Khan would be allowed meetings and shifted to a hospital of his choice. He warned that the government would be responsible if tensions escalated in the assembly.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan supported Achakzai’s demands, claiming that despite repeated approaches to the courts, no relief had been granted to the PTI founder.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government was trying to arrange a meeting between the opposition leader and the prime minister and insisted that Imran Khan was receiving proper medical care.

The National Assembly session was later adjourned until Monday evening. During the proceedings, the PIA Corporation Repeal Ordinance 2026 and Insurance Bill 2026 were also presented in the house, while a committee report on the Financial Institutions Amendment Bill 2026 was submitted.