Punjab Assembly Melts Down: Speaker Malik Ahmad Speaks Out on Action Against 26 Opp Lawmakers
In a stern yet effective press conference in Lahore, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan furiously justified his position on the disqualification of Punjab Assembly members involved in ongoing disruptions. The press conference has been organized in the aftermath of the questionable finances session, during which at some point opposition lawmakers made disruptions, protested, and reportedly destroyed the Assembly amidst the speech of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The speaker has now officially relocated to submit a reference to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the disqualification of 26 opposition members, which has triggered a dazzling political storm.
“Why the Double Standard?”: Malik Ahmed’s Bold Question
Malik Ahmed Khan did not mince words as he questioned the good sense in the back of selective accountability within Pakistan’s political scenario. Making reference to the Supreme Court’s 2017 decision to disqualify former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for no longer being “truthful and honest,” the Speaker questioned, *”If the Prime Minister can be disqualified for false statements, why no longer these who trample on the sanctity of the House?”*
He further worried that blocking meeting complaints immediately infringes on the oath obtained by way of elected members, deserving stern penalties beyond ritualistic admonishments or suspensions.
A Tart Criticism of Articles sixty two and 63
Interestingly, while arguing for disqualification, Malik Ahmed made an unusual approach towards the very constitutional articles most commonly cited for such purposes Articles sixty two and sixty three Referring to them as “remnants of dictatorship,” he highlighted their misapplication in political vendettas and averred that their exclusion from the charter must be considered if democracy is to be made more robust.
Referring to the Panama Papers ruling, the Speaker remembered how Justice Asif Saeed Khosa announced that 22 opposition contributors had come to the Speaker seeking movement against then-PM Nawaz Sharif. Malik Ahmed contended that the precedent provided by employing that case assists in the disqualification of participants who interfere with democratic activities, including such ones within legislative chambers.
Upholding the Dignity of the Assembly
Speaker Malik Ahmed reiterated that maintaining the sanctity of the legislative session is a responsibility by all. He cited that his actions are based on the constitutional requirement to maintain order and protect the group from being reduced into a battleground.
“Some members have been suspended after emergency balloting processes. Warnings have been issued, and fines have been levied due to the fact that nobody stands above the laws,” he stated.
The Fallout of Budget Session Mayhem
The price range session that resulted in the current-day controversy was previously tainted by the use of loud slogans, desk-thumping, and physical blocking of proceedings. Reports described the meeting corridor to be filled with shattered furniture and disrupted speeches, all while the Chief Minister attempted to provide the provincial budget.
After the incident, additional fines of tens of millions of rupees had been imposed on some members of the opposition, besides intensifying tensions among the authorities and opposition blocs.
A Precedent in the Making?
Since the reference makes a hit to the ECP, everyone’s attention is towards whether the Commission will approve the Speaker’s bold steps or label them as excessive. Irrespective of either, Malik Ahmed Khan has completely ignited a critical discourse regarding accountability within democratic institutions, particularly among these who represent the people.
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