Opposition protests suspension of members from Punjab Assembly

LAHORE: The opposition members staged a protest outside the Punjab Assembly building as they were stopped from entering the premises and chanted slogans against the government.

Due to the anticipated protest by the opposition, security has been heightened around the Punjab Assembly. Additionally, prisoner transport vehicles have been stationed outside the assembly premises.

Police have been deployed at two locations to prevent opposition members from reaching the Punjab Assembly.

Despite the barriers, opposition members managed to reach the assembly gate, chanting slogans against the government under the leadership of Ahmed Khan Bhachar.

Earlier in the day, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan had promised to protect the prestige and honour of the House after the mayhem witnessed during Friday’s session when Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz delivered a speech after approval of next fiscal year’s budget.

Security staff, who were assisted by a large contingent of police, had blocked the entrance and checked the vehicles entering the compound to stop those members whose membership has been suspended or barred from attending the ongoing session.

Leader of Opposition Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar criticised the speaker over what, he called, his illegal actions and said he should have suspended 107 members – the total strength of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) in the Punjab Assembly – instead of just 11.

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Meanwhile, the speaker has also stopped another 15 members from participating in the assembly proceedings besides ordering to withdraw the privileges enjoyed by Bhachar, including the official car.

Earlier the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan, has announced the formation of an “ethics committee” to address the use of indecent language and slurs by ministers during assembly sessions.

Addressing concerns over past practices, the Speaker declared, “Today, I am introducing a new ethics committee to rectify the distasteful behaviour that marred proceedings under the previous administration.”

“This committee will investigate instances where derogatory language has been used and will propose appropriate sanctions based on its findings,” he asserted. “We are here to uphold the constitutional integrity of this House, not to witness disorder.”

Expressing disappointment at the deteriorating decorum, the Speaker lamented, “What started as political dissent has devolved into personal attacks on individuals’ lifestyles. When members of the government resorted to indecent chants, both opposition and ruling party members came together to establish a moral code, explicitly prohibiting any unethical conduct.”

“The Ethics Committee should comprise representatives from all parliamentary factions,” he stressed. “I made every effort to maintain order in the House, and in the absence of compliance, I have taken the step to form this committee.”

Malik Ahmed Khan reaffirmed that the Assembly operates under parliamentary norms and regulations, emphasizing its role as a forum for constructive debate and legislation.