The president of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, emphasized Monday that the main function of Parliament is to legislate, not protest, defend his movement to present references of disqualification against 26 opposition legislators.
Going to a press conference on Monday, he referred to recent interruptions in the Assembly, stating that the opposition had turned the house into a protest platform instead of constructive debate.
He said that although he is not in favor of expelling any member, he is within the constitutional right of the petitioners who decide their requests within 30 days, according to articles 62 and 63 of the Pakistan Constitution.
Read: Punjab speaker moves to disqualify 26 MPa
Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution refer to the qualifications required for the members of the Assembly, as well as reasons of disqualification.
Previously, Khan had presented disqualification references to the ECP against 26 MPa of opposition of the Sunita Ittehad (sic) Council for “belittling the holiness of the camera.”
Speaking to the media, Khan confirmed the development, stating that those who violate the holiness of the house would face action.
He condemned the use of abusive language and violence in the assembly, describing it as an antidemocratic attitude. He also referred to article 63 of the Constitution, which describes the disqualification criteria, and emphasized that parliamentarians make an oath to protect the Constitution.
Khan promised to continue fighting for the protection of the Constitution, stating that keeping order at home is his duty.
He added that he had shown patience for more than a year and needed to justify his role as a speaker.
Khan emphasized that if these applications are not resolved within the stipulated period, they will be automatically sent to the Pakistan Electoral Commission (ECP).
“Parliament is intended for legislation, not to protest,” he said, criticizing opposition members for continuous interruptions in the Chamber. He added that if there is a disorder during the agenda, the procedures will continue under the law.
The speaker also approached claims of the opposition leader by stating that the speaker lacks the authority to send a reference.
Khan referred to the ruling of the case of Panama by Judge Asif Saeed Khosa, which establishes that if the members violate their oath, the speaker is obliged to make a decision or send the matter to the ECP.
Khan reiterated that “if a reference is received under article 63 (2) of the Constitution, it must be decided accordingly.”
He expressed the hope of a future dialogue between the government and the opposition to improve the atmosphere in the assembly. He reaffirmed his commitment to defend the holiness of the Chamber and ensure that legislative processes are respected.
