De-Seating
LAHORE: In a significant political development, legal proceedings have formally begun to disqualify 26 opposition lawmakers from the Punjab Assembly over what has been described as serious misconduct during a recent assembly session. The process, if successful, could drastically reshape the power dynamics in the province’s legislature.
According to credible sources, the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly has initiated consultations with the Punjab Law Department to explore legal and constitutional grounds for de-seating the suspended members.
The lawmakers in question had previously been suspended for their disruptive and unruly behaviour on the assembly floor, which officials say crossed the line into a breach of parliamentary decorum and violated the sanctity of the House.
The Punjab Assembly Secretariat has confirmed that the matter is being examined with full legal scrutiny. “The Speaker’s office is carefully reviewing the constitutional framework, legal provisions, and relevant case law before taking any definitive steps,” said a senior official on condition of anonymity.
He added that the speaker is determined to uphold parliamentary discipline and is treating the issue with utmost seriousness.
One of the key legal precedents under review is the landmark ruling delivered by former Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, in the high-profile case against former Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz Sharif.
That decision, which addressed violations of party directives by assembly members, is being referenced as a potential legal foundation for proceeding with disqualification under Article 63-A of the Constitution.
The suspended MPAs have reportedly been accused of repeated instances of unparliamentary conduct, including verbal abuse, physical disruption, and failure to adhere to rules of procedure during a heated session.
The exact nature of the violations has not been made public, but officials have characterized the events as “serious disruptions” that undermined the dignity of the House.
The speaker’s office is now compiling documentation and conducting a comprehensive legal review in coordination with constitutional experts. A formal reference may soon be filed for the de-seating of these members, pending further evaluation of the legal feasibility.
If the disqualifications move forward, they could lead to by-elections in multiple constituencies and significantly weaken the opposition’s presence in the Punjab Assembly.
The development marks an escalation in political tensions in the province and signals the ruling party’s intent to enforce discipline and reassert control over legislative proceedings.
While the opposition has yet to issue an official response, political observers expect pushback and legal resistance in the days ahead. The unfolding situation sets the stage for another chapter in Punjab’s already volatile political landscape, with implications that could echo across the national political arena.
