Punjab assembly ends suspension of 26 PTI MPAs

LAHORE: The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan, revoked the decision to suspend 26 members of the opposition from the Assembly on Thursday.

The decision was taken following the dialogue between the government and the opposition negotiation committee.

The speaker praised every member of the negotiation team for achieving an agreement and took part in the committee meeting through a video link. He underlined that “decency must be maintained, but the opposition has the constitutional right to protest.”

One of the meeting’s main conclusions was that both parties will not use derogatory language in subsequent meetings. In an effort to restore parliamentary order, it was also determined that the Ethics Committee’s decisions would be regarded as final and binding.

In expressing his hope that “the tradition of shouting and disorder will not be repeated,” Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan emphasized the need to maintain the House’s dignity.

Disqualification references

Earlier, disqualification references against Members Punjab Assembly (MPAs) have been filed by the Speaker Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Khan, in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday.

The references were filed amid the opposition protest in the assembly, allegedly causing disruption and damaging property

Following this, the Speaker suspended the 26 MPAs of the opposition party for 15 sittings of the assembly.

Later on, the Speaker announced his decision to refer the matter to the ECP for the disqualification of the suspended members.

In this regard, the speaker has arrived at the ECP office to formally file the references, which include the evidence of the disorderly actions.

The references point to the 26 MPs’ violations of assembly etiquette and constitutional standards as justification for terminating their membership. It is anticipated that the ECP would examine the references and render a decision about the MPs’ destiny in compliance with the law.

Earlier, at least 26 members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) of Punjab have been suspended by the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly for the next 15 sittings, according to media reports.

The lawmakers in Friday’s session chanted slogans, raised placards, and disrupted proceedings during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s presence in the House.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan said that he will not allow any violation of assembly rules had has ordered disciplinary action.

“This House cannot be allowed to descend into chaos,” said the speaker, adding that order must be maintained.