PA passes Finance Bill amid protest by opposition.

LAHORE -- The Punjab Assembly on Friday passed the Finance Bill 2020-21 besides a couple of other bills amid protest and boycott of proceedings by the opposition.

It also adopted a resolution demanding use of words Khatimun Nabiyyeen whenever the name of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is written or read.

The Finance Bill, containing exemptions in the general sales tax on services, construction services, property tax, entertainment tax, and introducing a new four per cent tax on ride hailing services, was presented by Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht. It also amended the Stamp Act 1899 to reduce stamp duty from five to one per cent.

Chief Minister Usman Bazdar was also present on the occasion. However, against tradition he did not address the House after approval of the budget.

The assembly also approved extension in the period of three ordinances - Punjab Prevention of Hoarding, Punjab Private Education Institutions (Amendment), and Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) ordinances.

When the resolution to extend the term of the anti-hoarding ordinance was tabled, the opposition members started chanting slogans in front of the speaker's chair, alleging...