LAHORE: The 26 PTI lawmakers suspended from the Punjab Assembly due to disruptive behavior have yet to take advantage of the hearing opportunity offered by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan.
On June 27, the speaker suspended these MPAs for causing “disruption, ruckus, and chanting indecent slogans” during Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speech, as per Rule 210 (3) of the Rules of Procedure, Provincial Assembly of Punjab, 1997. Speaker Khan had allowed the lawmakers to appear in his chamber and explain their actions by July 11 (today).
Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, Leader of Opposition and PTI member, confirmed that the party was consulting with its legal team regarding the speaker’s offer. “We will decide about the hearing in a parliamentary meeting on July 11,” Bhachar said.
A reliable source revealed that most PTI MPAs are inclined to take the opportunity to present their case to the speaker and inquire whether their protest during the CM’s speech justified the suspension.
Additionally, Speaker Khan has received references for the disqualification of the suspended MPAs under Articles 63(2) and 113 of the Constitution. He is required to decide on these within 30 days.
The speaker also demanded the recovery of Rs2,035,000 from 10 PTI MPs—Rs203,550 each—for damaging desks and breaking microphones during their protest on June 16. He ordered that opposition MPA Hassan Malik (PP-81) be barred from the assembly until the current session is prorogued due to his behavior during the budget speech.
On June 24, Khan emphasized the importance of maintaining order in the house and preserving its dignity, warning that he would take further actions if parliamentary proceedings were disrupted again. However, opposition leader Bhachar condemned these decisions, reaffirming that the opposition would continue its protests.
