A speaker from Punjab moves to disqualify 26 MPAs.

Malik Ahmed Khan, the speaker of the Punjab Assembly, brought a disqualification reference against 26 opposition MPAs for “disparaging the sanctity of the house” before the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday.

The MPAs from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) are the ones against whom the electoral supervisor received the reference.

Speaking to the media, the speaker affirmed the development and warned that those who disregarded the house’s sanctity would not escape punishment. “The matter is with the ECP, which may disqualify such members,” he stated.

Using violence, foul language, and misconduct in parliament is not a democratic norm, according to Malik Ahmed Khan. “It is anti-democracy attitude” .

He emphasized that each member of parliament takes an oath to uphold the Constitution and stated that Article 63 of the Constitution clearly outlines the requirements for disqualification. He pledged to fight for the Constitution’s protection.

The speaker of the Punjab Assembly declared, “It is my responsibility to keep the house in order.” “I have been patient for over a year and a half. As the speaker, I must defend my position,” said Malik Ahmed Khan.

Prior to possibly submitting it to the ECP for the de-seating of 26 suspended SIC MPAs for their alleged disruptive, abusive, and disorderly conduct in the house, the speaker had earlier instructed a legal team to draft a reference for consultation.

Following an initial determination that a reference could be filed based on the applications submitted by PML-N lawmakers, who urged the Speaker’s Office to take action against the suspended members, the speaker and the legal experts met and issued the directive.

The situation in the Punjab Assembly worsened on June 27 when Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speeches were interrupted by the loud protest of the opposition. Their actions seemed even more hostile, apparently in reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision regarding reserved seats.

The demonstration swiftly turned into altercations between opposition and Treasury lawmakers. Speaker Khan repeatedly attempted to maintain order, but it was unsuccessful.

In accordance with Rule 210(3) of the Punjab Provincial Assembly’s Rules of Procedure, the speaker suspended 26 opposition lawmakers that same day (1997).

Ten PTI MPAs were ordered to pay Rs2,035,000 in damages on June 28 (roughly Rs203,550 each) for scaling desks and smashing eight microphones during their protest on June 16 during the presentation of the provincial budget.

It is important to remember that protest has long been accepted as a normal part of parliamentary processes. It is common to witness opposition lawmakers tearing up agenda or budget documents, chanting slogans, thumping desks, holding placards in the air, and engaging in heated arguments.