Punjab assembly speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan emphasized on Monday that Parliament’s primary function is to legislate, not protest and defend his step to submit disqualification references against 26 opposition laws.
He approached a press conference Monday and referred to recent disturbances in the assembly and said the opposition had turned the house into a platform for protests rather than constructive debate.
He said that even though he is not to expel any member, it has been decided within the Constitutional Right of the Parker’s constitutional right to have their applications decided within 30 days under Articles 62 and 63 of Pakistan’s Constitution.
Read: Punjab -Attaler moves to disqualify 26 MPAs
Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution refer to required qualifications for members of the assembly as well as reasons for incompatibility.
Previously, Khan had submitted disqualification references to ECP against 26 opposition -MPAs from Sunni Intehad Council (SIC) for “to shut down the holiness of the house”.
In a speech with the media, Khan confirmed the development and said that those who violate the holiness of the house would face action.
He condemned the use of violent language and violence in the assembly and described it as an anti-democratic attitude. He also referred to Article 63 of the Constitution that outlines disqualification criteria, and emphasized that MPs are taking a sip to protect the Constitution.
Khan promised to continue to fight for the protection of the constitution and said that maintaining order in the house is his duty.
He added that he had shown patience for over a year and needed to justify his role as speaker.
Khan emphasized that if these applications are not resolved within the stipulated period, they will automatically be forwarded to the Election Commission in Pakistan (ECP).
“Parliament is intended for legislation, not protest,” he said, criticizing opposition members for continuous disturbances in parliament. He added that if there is suffering during the day, the procedure will continue under the law.
The speaker dealt with further claims from the opposition leader and claimed that the speaker lacks authority to send a referral.
Khan referred to Panama Papers Case Dom of Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who finds that if members violate their oaths, the speaker is bound to either make a decision or refer the case to the ECP.
Khan reiterated that “if a reference is received in accordance with Article 63 (2) of the Constitution, it must be decided accordingly”.
He expressed hope of future dialogue between government and resistance to improve the atmosphere of the assembly. He confirmed his commitment to maintaining the holiness of the house and ensuring that regulatory processes are respected.
