Punjab Assembly Restores 26 Suspended Lawmakers to revive parliamentary dialogue and reduce political tensions in the House.
The Punjab Assembly acting speaker restores 26 suspended opposition lawmakers after a turbulent political standoff that had disrupted legislative proceedings since late June 2025. Acting Speaker Zahid Iqbal Channar announced the reinstatement of the opposition lawmakers during Tuesday’s session, emphasizing the importance of opposition presence for constructive parliamentary dialogue. He ordered the immediate issuance of notification for their return, stating, “Even I’m not enjoying it without the opposition members,” a comment signaling his intention to promote inclusivity and restore normalcy in the legislative process. The 26 suspended members had faced disciplinary action after a protest broke out in the Punjab Assembly on June 27, during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speech. The protest disrupted proceedings as PTI lawmakers surrounded the speaker’s dais and shouted slogans. Consequently, the then-Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan suspended the opposition MPAs for 15 sittings and fined 10 members Rs200,000 each for damaging public property. Disqualification references were also filed against them before the Election Commission of Pakistan over alleged “unparliamentary conduct.”
Political Context Surrounding the Suspension
The incident on June 27 stemmed from growing tensions between government and opposition ranks, with PTI lawmakers staging a protest against Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The protest turned disorderly, prompting Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan to take disciplinary measures that included suspending 26 opposition MPAs and initiating legal action. As per the rules of the Punjab Assembly, members involved in damaging public property or engaging in disruptive behavior are subject to fines, suspension, or legal references to the Election Commission. The PTI lawmakers’ protest reportedly involved breaking microphones and furniture inside the assembly chamber. Following the incident, Khan fined 10 lawmakers Rs200,000 each and submitted references to the ECP, urging disqualification on the grounds of “unparliamentary behavior.”
Punjab Assembly Acting Speaker Restores 26 Suspended Opposition Lawmakers After Negotiations
The breakthrough came following behind-the-scenes negotiations between the government and opposition leaders. Two days before the official reinstatement, Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan withdrew the petitions for disqualification of the 26 PTI lawmakers. This move was widely seen as part of a reconciliation effort to ensure legislative stability and prevent further erosion of democratic norms. In a detailed written decision, Speaker Khan clarified that the speaker’s role is not to act merely as a conduit—or “postman”—for political disqualification requests. He noted that forwarding such requests without judicial scrutiny could harm the constitutional process and limit the right to freedom of expression within parliamentary proceedings.
Legal Grounds and the Role of the Assembly Speaker
Speaker Khan emphasized that, while disruptive conduct can attract disciplinary measures, the disqualification of lawmakers is a matter that must be addressed by competent courts or tribunals. He stressed the importance of maintaining judicial scrutiny in all legal actions involving legislators and warned against undermining the constitutional framework by arbitrarily filing references. This perspective is rooted in parliamentary law, which requires that serious violations—especially those involving allegations such as breach of oath or constitutional misconduct—be proven in a legal forum rather than handled summarily in the assembly. These legal principles guided the speaker’s ultimate decision to reinstate the suspended lawmakers and drop disqualification petitions.
Full List of Reinstated Opposition Lawmakers
The Punjab Assembly acting speaker restores 26 suspended opposition lawmakers, including several prominent PTI-affiliated figures. Among those reinstated are Malik Farhad Masood, Muhammad Tanveer Aslam, Syed Riffat Mehmood, Yasir Mehmood Qureshi, Kaleem Ullah Khan, Muhammad Ansar Iqbal, Ali Asif, Zulfiqar Ali, Ahmad Mujtaba Chaudhary, Shahid Javed, Muhammad Ismael, and Khayal Ahmad. Others include Shahbaz Ahmad, Tayyab Rashid, Imtiaz Mehmood, Ali Imtiaz, Rashid Tufail, Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal, Khalid Zubair Nisar, Ch Muhammad Ejaz Shafi, Saima Kanwal, Muhammad Naeem, Sajjad Ahmed, Rana Aourang Zaib, Shuaib Ameer, and Usama Asghar Ali Gujjar. These lawmakers had previously faced bans from the assembly chamber and restrictions on legislative participation for 15 sittings.
Breakdown of Fines for Property Damage
In addition to the suspensions, 10 lawmakers had been penalized financially for acts of vandalism inside the Punjab Assembly. These individuals—Chaudhary Javed Kausar, Asad Abbas, Tanveer Aslam, Riffat Mehmood, Muhammad Ismael, Shahbaz Ahmad, Imtiaz Mehmood, Khalid Zubair, Rana Aourang Zaib, and Muhammad Ahsan Ali—were each fined Rs203,550. The fines were based on video evidence of property damage, including broken microphones and other public assembly property. The Punjab Assembly administration used the evidence to determine the financial penalties, which were then approved by the speaker’s office.
Significance of the Reinstatement for Legislative Stability
The move by the Punjab Assembly acting speaker to restore 26 suspended opposition lawmakers comes at a crucial time for the provincial government. With major legislative agendas pending, including budget approvals and developmental policy bills, restoring the full composition of the house was essential. The return of opposition lawmakers is likely to enhance debate quality, improve representation, and foster transparency in legislative discussions. Zahid Iqbal Channar’s decision was also seen as a symbolic gesture that may improve inter-party relations and pave the way for a more cooperative parliamentary environment in Punjab.
Reactions From Political Stakeholders
Reactions to the decision have been largely neutral or cautiously optimistic. Government sources described the reinstatement as a necessary measure to restore decorum and functionality to the assembly. Opposition leaders have welcomed the move, calling it a victory for parliamentary rights and democratic engagement. Legal experts have also weighed in, noting that the rejection of disqualification petitions strengthens the principle of due process in parliamentary affairs. By highlighting that only courts—not speakers—should decide on disqualification matters, the decision may serve as a precedent in future legislative disputes across provincial assemblies in Pakistan.
Constitutional Precedents and Implications
The Punjab Assembly acting speaker restores 26 suspended opposition lawmakers in a move that reinforces constitutional integrity. According to Article 63 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the disqualification of a member of the provincial assembly must be adjudicated by the Election Commission, following a reference by the speaker that meets legal thresholds. The speaker’s decision to withhold the reference aligns with this principle and reaffirms the separation of powers between the legislature and judicial bodies. It also clarifies the procedural safeguards that must be followed before taking punitive action against elected officials. By refusing to forward a reference without judicial review, the speaker has emphasized the importance of parliamentary privilege and constitutional protections.
Comparative Insight: How Other Parliaments Handle Disorder
Globally, parliaments face challenges in managing disorderly conduct. Legislative rules in countries like the UK, Canada, and India permit the speaker to suspend members temporarily but also mandate legal processes for permanent disqualification. The decision in Punjab mirrors these international standards by distinguishing between disciplinary suspension and constitutional disqualification. Temporary suspensions for disorder are allowed, but permanent disqualification requires clear evidence and legal validation. Thus, the Punjab Assembly’s handling of this situation places it in alignment with democratic norms practiced globally.
Final Word on Punjab Assembly Restores 26 Suspended Lawmakers
The Punjab Assembly acting speaker restores 26 suspended opposition lawmakers, bringing an end to a politically charged episode that had raised questions about parliamentary procedure and constitutional authority. This reinstatement, achieved through negotiation and grounded in legal prudence, sets a precedent for future conflicts within legislative institutions. It demonstrates a balance between discipline and democratic rights and reaffirms the constitutional role of assembly speakers. With the opposition now back in session, the Punjab Assembly is poised to resume its full legislative agenda in a more stable and inclusive environment.
Conclusion: Punjab Assembly Restores 26 Suspended Lawmakers
The reinstatement of 26 suspended PTI-backed opposition lawmakers by Acting Punjab Assembly Speaker Zahid Iqbal Channar marks a significant step toward restoring legislative dialogue and reducing political tensions within the provincial assembly. The decision, following a period of suspension, fines, and legal petitions, reflects a shift toward reconciliation and parliamentary functionality. With the opposition back on the assembly floor, the focus now turns to whether both government and opposition members can engage in constructive debate and uphold democratic norms moving forward.
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