Punjab Assembly Speaker Suspends 26 Lawmakers After Budget Session Protest
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Lahore – The Speaker of the punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, has suspended 26 opposition lawmakers for 15 sessions following disruptive protests during the budget session [[1]]. The action, taken on Saturday, June 28, 2025, follows Friday’s chaotic scenes where opposition members protested Chief Minister Maryam nawaz’s presence in the House.
Details of the Suspension
The suspended members, belonging to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), are accused of disorderly behavior, including tearing up agenda papers and chanting slogans [[3]].Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan invoked Rule 210 of the assembly regulations to justify the disciplinary action.
Did You Know? Rule 210 of the Punjab Assembly regulations pertains to maintaining order and decorum within the assembly,granting the Speaker authority to take action against disruptive members.
The suspended lawmakers include:
- malik Fahad Masood
- Muhammad Tanveer Aslam
- Syed riffat Mehmood
- Yasir Mehmood Qureshi
- Kaleemullah Khan
- Muhammad Ansar Iqbal
- Ali Asif
- Zulfiqar Ali
- Ahmad Mujtaba Chaudhry
- Shahid Javed
- Muhammad Ismail
- Khayal Ahmad
- Shahbaz Ahmad
- Tayyab Rasheed
- Imtiaz Mehmood
- Ali Imtiaz
- Rashid Tufail
- Rai Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal
- Khalid Zubair Nisar
- Chaudhry Muhammad Ijaz Shafi
- Eman Kanwal
- muhammad Naeem
- Sajjad Ahmad
- Rana Aurangzeb
- Shahbaz Amir
- Usama Asghar Ali Gujar
Speaker’s Stance and Further Action
Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan has firmly defended his decision, emphasizing the need to maintain the sanctity and order of the House. “This House cannot be allowed to descend into chaos,” he stated, adding that the rules, specifically Rules 223 and 210, were breached [[2]].
In a press conference held in Lahore, Speaker Khan announced that he would forward a reference against the suspended PTI members to the election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).He reiterated that his decisions are protected by the Constitution and that he would not tolerate any attempts to take the House hostage.
Opposition’s Response
The opposition has condemned the suspensions as undemocratic and announced plans for protest. A PTI leader stated, “Even if you expel them for 15 years, the war against the government will continue,” signaling ongoing tensions and potential for further disruptions.
pro Tip: Keep an eye on political developments in Punjab,as thes suspensions could escalate tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.
Broader Context of Assembly Disruptions
Disruptions in legislative assemblies are not uncommon and ofen reflect deeper political divides. The use of suspensions as a disciplinary measure is a contentious issue, with some viewing it as necessary to maintain order and others as a suppression of dissent. The current situation in the Punjab Assembly highlights the challenges of balancing decorum with the rights of the opposition to voice their concerns.
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| suspension | 26 opposition lawmakers suspended |
| Duration | 15 assembly sessions |
| Reason | Disorderly conduct during budget session |
| Authority | Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad khan |
| Next Step | Reference to Election Commission of pakistan |
Historical Trends in Punjab Assembly
The Punjab Assembly has experienced periods of turbulence throughout its history, often reflecting the broader political climate in Pakistan. Instances of disruptions, walkouts, and protests have been recorded across different administrations, highlighting the ongoing challenges in fostering constructive dialogue and consensus-building. Understanding these historical trends provides context for the current situation and underscores the importance of upholding parliamentary norms and procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why were the lawmakers suspended?
The lawmakers were suspended for disrupting the proceedings of the Punjab Assembly during the budget session.
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What specific actions led to the suspensions?
Actions included tearing agenda papers, chanting slogans, and generally creating a disorderly habitat.
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What is the role of the Speaker in this situation?
The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order in the House and has the authority to take disciplinary actions against members who violate assembly rules.
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What is the potential impact of these suspensions?
The suspensions could further escalate tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, possibly leading to more disruptions and political instability.
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What are the next steps following the suspensions?
The Speaker will forward a reference to the Election Commission of Pakistan, and the opposition is planning protests against the decision.
What are your thoughts on the Speaker’s decision? How do you think this will impact the political climate in Punjab?
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