Punjab Assembly Speaker Suspends 26 Opposition Members for Disorderly Conduct

In a decisive move to restore order in the Punjab Assembly, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Saturday announced the suspension of 26 opposition members for 15 sessions. The disciplinary action follows unruly behavior during Friday’s budget session for the Fiscal Year 2025-26.

Speaking at a press conference, the Speaker emphasized the importance of maintaining the assembly’s decorum, stating, “The sanctity and order of the House will be maintained at all costs.” While acknowledging the right to protest, he clarified that such rights are subject to constitutional and procedural boundaries.

The suspension order, dated June 27, was issued under Rule 210(3) of the Rules of Procedure 1997. It cited the opposition’s disruptive actions, including shouting slogans, tearing agenda documents, throwing paper toward treasury benches, using abusive language, and physically confronting government members.

Despite multiple calls for order, Speaker Khan noted that the opposition continued its misconduct and ignored parliamentary rules. He said their actions reflected a disregard for his authority and a deliberate attempt to obstruct assembly proceedings.

The following members were suspended:

1. Malik Farhad Masood

2. Muhammad Tanveer Aslam

3. Syed Riffat Mehmood

4. Yasir Mehmood Qureshi

5. Kaleem Ullah Khan

6. Muhammad Ansar Iqbal

7. Ali Asif

8. Zulfiqar Ali

9. Ahmad Mujtaba Chaudhary

10. Shahid Javed

11. Muhammad Ismael

12. Khayal Ahmad

13. Shahbaz Ahmad

14. Tayyab Rashid

15. Imtiaz Mehmood

16. Ali Imtiaz

17. Rashid Tufail

18. Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal

19. Khalid Zubair Nisar

20. Ch Muhammad Ejaz Shafi

21. Saima Kanwal

22. Muhammad Naeem

23. Sajjad Ahmed

24. Rana Aourang Zaib

25. Shuaib Ameer

26. Usama Asghar Ali Gujjar

Calling the behavior “regrettable,” Khan reiterated his commitment to upholding democratic and parliamentary norms. He warned that no one would be allowed to “take the assembly hostage” and asserted that those unwilling to abide by the rules would not be allowed entry into the House.

The Speaker also announced his decision to forward a reference to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against the 26 suspended members, all affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

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