They want democracy to surrender before their hooliganism: Punjab Assembly Speaker

WEB DESK: Following the ruckus at Punjab Assembly on Saturday, the Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan strongly criticised opposition protests, accusing certain elements of trying to undermine democracy through violent tactics. In a hard-hitting address, he posed pointed questions challenging the opposition’s narrative, including, “Did I put the founder of PTI in jail?” and “Who set fire to Jinnah House and Radio Pakistan?”

The Speaker stressed that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, violent agitation is unacceptable. “No one has the right to violent protests,” he stated firmly. Khan made it clear that the Assembly would continue functioning strictly according to constitutional provisions, refusing to let parliamentary proceedings be disrupted.

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In a significant move, Khan announced he was sending a reference to the Election Commission against 26 suspended opposition members, signaling a tougher stance against assembly disruptions. He praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for showing political maturity by recognising the opposition’s right to protest while maintaining law and order.

The Speaker’s remarks come amid ongoing political tensions in Punjab, marked by opposition protests and incidents of arson. His statements reflect the ruling party’s growing impatience with what it views as anarchic tactics by opposition groups. Meanwhile, PTI and other opposition parties continue to accuse the government of political victimization, which are often dismissed as baseless excuses.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further political confrontation as both sides dig in their positions. The reference to the Election Commission and the handling of suspended members may prove to be the next flashpoint in Punjab’s ongoing political standoff.