Lahore:
The most important representatives from both the Ministry of Finance and the opposition benches are likely to establish reference conditions (TOR) in the coming days aimed at regulating the future procedure for the Punjab assembly and discouraging humiliation, violent exchanges and violent behavior between legislators.
The development follows an initial advisory meeting between Punjab assembly speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and 26 suspended MPAs by Pakistan Tehreek-In-Insaf (PTI) over disability references that were filed against them.
Both sides allegedly agreed to form a joint committee for senior members to make the consultation process more efficient and to explore constitutional, legal and parliamentary solutions for the model.
It is worth mentioning that the speaker Khan had received disqualification references against these currently suspended MPAs in accordance with Article 63 (2). 2, read with Article 113 of the Constitution.
It is his constitutional obligation to decide these references within 30 days, as stipulated in the said provisions.
Accordingly, the speaker had convened the suspended MPAs for consultation under Article 10-A of the Constitution by July 11 (yesterday) in his chamber at the Punjab Assembly.
A reliable source that spoke with Express Pakinomist on condition of anonymity said that the speaker’s steps to suspend 26 MPAs and subsequently refers the case to the Election Commission in Pakistan (ECP) served a double purpose: First, it helped to expel the perception within his party that favored the opposition; Secondly, it brought the opposition to the negotiating table under the pretext of the disqualification reference, creating space to hit mutually agreed Thurs.
The source added that the meeting atmosphere was cordial and another round of negotiations can be held on Sunday or the following day.
Both sides can nominate three or four members each to form the joint committee, which is tasked with drawing up Thurs to ensure that members abandon violent, humiliating or violent behavior.
An important point considered is that each member must be heard respectfully in the house without interruptions before an answer is made.
If the opposition still feels compelled to protest, they can do so in line with democratic parliamentary norms and without resorting to derogatory language or physical disturbance.
The treasury is still discussing whether Thurs specifically mention Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz by name, which ensures that her speeches with those of opposition leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar and others continue without disturbance, or whether the document should adopt a broader principle indicating that the speeches of all members must be respected and disturbances will be treated with strictly.
According to the source, the opposition may have difficulty staying calm under Maryam Nawaz’s speaking.
However, they are expected to acknowledge that although protest is their democratic law, they do not support violent or violent behavior.
In future sessions, they can limit the protests to their designated benches rather than gathering in front of the speaker’s dais.
First meeting round
During the first round of round, chairman of the speaker Khan in his chamber, treasury representatives and the suspended PTI MPAs, led by opposition leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, suggested to initiate mutual dialogue.
The speaker welcomed this proposal warmly.
Speaking Khan began the meeting of referring to previous political regimes and then emphasized the importance of democratic behavior within the assembly.
“Dialogue and consultation are the essence of parliamentary democracy. Any disagreement can be resolved through a positive, dignified and constitutional approach,” the speaker said.
Both sides demonstrated a willingness to devote their differences and continue in accordance with democratic norms.
Background
Speaking Khan has often been considered sympathy for the opposition, which regularly gives their members sufficient time to speak during the procedure, including at points of order.
He has also been noticed to sometimes take a strict tone of treasury members.
Over time, this approach to a growing view among the Treasury led legislators that the speaker was disproportionately favored the opposition.
They argued that he should limit the floor time of the opposition and adopt a stricter attitude.
However, the speaker Khan maintained that it was necessary to carry both sides and that it was not appropriate to take punishing action on minor violations.
While his conciliatory approach was appreciated by the opposition, it created unrest within the Treasury. Eventually, the Treasury began to ignore the opposition’s protests and disturbances in the house, especially under speeches from CM Maryam Nawaz.
At times, opposition legislators were even seen limited to their seats instead of protesting in front of the speaker’s dais.
The speaker and the Treasury had long called for the opposition to maintain peace and decor under the main minister’s addresses.
However, the opposition seemed to take advantage of the speaker’s easing and praised his neutrality while continuing to disturb the procedure under Maryam Nawaz’s speaking, despite insurance on the opposite.
This voltage peaked during the recent budget meeting. On June 27, when CM Maryam Nawaz delivered her address, the opposition seemed particularly aggressive, possibly Emboldened by the Supreme Court’s decision on the issue of reserved seats.
Speaking Khan was under pressure to maintain order, while the Treasury expected the opposition to honor past understandings. However, the APEX court’s decision changed the atmosphere drastically.
The opposition left no stones turned to disturb the CM’s speech, causing the speaker to move on with disqualification references.
The speaker’s decision to initiate the references attracted public criticism, many arguing that PTI had already become politically cornered.
Several PML-N legislators also advised the speaker to resolve the matter within the assembly instead of escalating it to ECP.
