In a major political development, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan has submitted a disqualification reference to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against 26 opposition MPAs from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), citing repeated misconduct and what he termed an “anti-democratic attitude” during assembly proceedings.
Addressing the media on Thursday, the Speaker confirmed the move, stating, “Those who disrespect the sanctity of the house will not be spared. The matter is now with the ECP, which may take action in accordance with the Constitution.”
He emphasized that the conduct displayed by the SIC lawmakers—ranging from the use of abusive language to acts of aggression—was incompatible with parliamentary norms. “Parliament is a forum for dialogue, not for disorder and violence,” Khan said, adding that such behavior violates Article 63, which outlines the grounds for disqualification of legislators.
Speaker Defends Action as Constitutional Duty
Malik Ahmed Khan defended his decision as part of his constitutional responsibility to uphold order in the assembly. “I have shown restraint for over a year and a half. But now, as custodian of the House, I must fulfill my duty,” he remarked.
The reference follows weeks of tension in the Punjab Assembly, with chaos reaching its peak during a raucous opposition protest on June 27, which disrupted Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s address. The protest escalated into physical confrontations between opposition and treasury benches—reportedly triggered by a Supreme Court verdict on reserved seats.
Despite repeated attempts by the Speaker to restore decorum, order could not be maintained. The next day, 26 SIC lawmakers were suspended under Rule 210(3) of the Punjab Assembly’s Rules of Procedure (1997).
Legal Preparations and Damage Recovery
The Speaker had earlier directed his legal team to draft a disqualification reference, following requests from PML-N lawmakers urging disciplinary action against the suspended members. After internal consultations, the reference was formally submitted.
In a related move, on June 28, the Speaker ordered Rs 2.035 million in damages to be recovered from 10 PTI lawmakers—around Rs 203,550 per person—for damaging assembly property during a protest on June 16, when the provincial budget was being presented. The incident involved MPs climbing onto desks and breaking microphones.
Political Context
While parliamentary protests—such as sloganeering, tearing documents, and desk-thumping—are a long-standing tradition in Pakistan’s legislative history, the current standoff signals a deeper political and constitutional rift.
The disqualification reference marks a significant escalation, indicating that the Punjab government is no longer willing to tolerate what it views as persistent disruption from the opposition benches.
The Election Commission’s response to the reference will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for dealing with legislative conduct in Pakistan’s assemblies.
