LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan announced Saturday that a formal reference will be sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against 26 suspended PTI lawmakers over their disruptive conduct during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s address.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, the Speaker said the suspended members—who have been barred for 15 sittings—engaged in sloganeering, tearing official documents, and violating parliamentary rules during Friday’s session.
“No one has the right to abuse or attack fellow members. The Assembly is not anyone’s personal drawing room. It is a constitutional institution, and its dignity must be upheld,” Ahmad Khan stated.
Zero Tolerance for Disorder
He stressed that the suspension and forthcoming reference were in line with the constitutional obligation to maintain order in the House. He added that those damaging the Assembly’s sanctity or property would face strict consequences, including recovery notices for damages.
The Speaker clarified that CM Maryam Nawaz had acknowledged the opposition’s right to protest, but within the bounds of parliamentary rules.
“Yes, protest is democratic, but not at the expense of the Assembly’s rules,” he noted.
Comparison with Past Precedents
Referring to the tenure of former Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Malik Ahmad said the current opposition has done little in terms of constructive legislative input.
“During Pervaiz Elahi’s tenure, FIRs were filed against 40 members and no standing committee functioned for five years. In contrast, I issued production orders. They call hooliganism their political right—I call it a constitutional violation,” he said.
He further criticised opposition members for what he described as a consistent pattern of undermining judicial and legislative institutions.
“If the judge doesn’t suit them, they attack him. The same attitude is now being brought into this House,” he remarked.
Reference to Follow Judicial Precedent
Speaker Ahmad said the reference against the suspended members would be framed in light of judicial precedent, including the case involving former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial.
“The system cannot be held hostage. If they don’t follow the Constitution, I will,” he asserted, reiterating his commitment to protect the sanctity of the Assembly.
The suspended PTI members include Malik Fahad Masood, Muhammad Tanveer Aslam, Syed Rafat Mahmood, Yasir Mahmood Qureshi, Saima Kanwal, and others. They are barred from attending sessions or participating in Assembly committees for the duration of their suspension.
