Punjab Assembly Speaker seeks disqualification of 26 MPAs for unparliamentary conduct

Punjab Assembly Speaker Muhammad Ahmad Khan has submitted a formal reference to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against 26 members of the provincial assembly, seeking their disqualification over charges of unparliamentary conduct, rioting, and repeated violation of assembly rules, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Thursday.

The reference accuses the lawmakers of causing disorder in the House, ignoring the Speaker’s rulings, and engaging in behaviour deemed detrimental to the dignity of the assembly.

According to the text of the reference, the accused members deliberately disrupted proceedings, used inappropriate language, and defied multiple requests to maintain decorum during sessions. The Speaker exercised his authority under Rule 210 of the Assembly Rules and cited Clauses 15 and 210 of the code of conduct, stating that the members’ actions forced repeated suspensions of the House and damaged the institution’s credibility. It was further noted that despite continuous appeals, the lawmakers continued to violate rules and hinder the constitutional business of the assembly.

In his media talk outside the Election Commission office, Speaker Muhammad Ahmad Khan said those who violated the oath they took to uphold the Constitution have no right to remain part of the House. He said the lawmakers in question not only failed to protect the sanctity of the institution but also crossed all limits of decency and democratic behaviour. The Speaker said that the assembly is the place to legislate and debate — not to resort to abusive language or physical altercations.

He questioned whether it was appropriate for members to engage in brawls and use derogatory language in the very place where laws are to be made. He added that while he had shown patience for over a year and a half as Speaker in the hope of restoring democratic conduct, that patience should not be mistaken as weakness. If he were to accept the opposition’s unruly behaviour as democratic, he said, then he himself would be the guiltiest of all.

The Speaker emphasised that the rules of procedure made by the assembly hold constitutional status under Article 69, and any act of deliberate disorder within the House is not only a breach of decorum but a violation of the Constitution. He also criticized the opposition for using legal petitions to undermine the legitimacy of the House, stating that democracy cannot be dictated by a handful of court filings or disruptive tactics.

He reiterated that the purpose of his reference was to safeguard the integrity of the assembly and uphold the Constitution, adding that no number of agitators would deter him from fulfilling his responsibilities. “Even if there are 35 who break the Constitution, I will continue to do what I must,” he said.

The matter now rests with the Election Commission, which will examine the reference and decide on the political fate of the 26 lawmakers named in it.