Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan strongly defended his ‘neutrality and constitutional authority’ during a press conference in Lahore Monday.
He addressed the opposition's recent protests and their objections regarding his powers to forward references to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Speaking to the media, Malik Ahmad Khan recalled that when former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was being disqualified, the then-opposition demanded that the decision should rest with the Speaker.
"The members now ask, if a Prime Minister could be removed on the basis of a controversial judgment like Panama, why can't action be taken against others under similar circumstances?" he questioned.
"I am not a representative of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, I listen to everyone’s point of view," the Speaker said. "I am constantly concerned about how to run this assembly smoothly and fairly."
Malik Ahmad Khan emphasized his commitment to fulfilling the role of custodian of the house with honesty. He admitted that some members were suspended and others served with notices strictly in accordance with the rules.
He refuted the opposition’s claim that the Speaker has no authority to send references to the Election Commission, saying that such powers have been exercised before.
PA speaker alleged that editorials have also incorrectly questioned the Speaker's authority on this matter.
Malik Ahmad Khan lamented that over the past 22 years, it has become almost impossible for any finance minister to complete a budget speech due to frequent disruptions.
"Is it acceptable that for 22 years neither a finance minister nor the president can deliver their addresses without constant interruption?" he asked.
"If the opposition believes I must protect only their rights, then do government members not have any rights?" he challenged. "I have always prioritized the rights of the opposition and safeguarded their voice in the assembly, but discipline must prevail."
The Speaker also said that if the assembly secretariat had consulted him earlier, many misunderstandings could have been avoided.
"When I took this position, I pledged to serve honestly, yet I have been called the opposition’s Speaker simply for giving them more time and privileges," he added.
Malik Ahmad Khan clarified that parliament is not a silent institution where no one can raise their voice, but there must be limits to protest. "If you stand to teach me lessons, then at least listen to what I have to say as well."
He reiterated his constitutional oath and said that the assembly must function according to the rules. "Before issuing suspension orders, I wanted to share my stance with you all."
The Speaker concluded that the mistakes of the past must not be repeated, and both opposition and government members should ensure that the house operates with mutual respect and within constitutional limits.
Tarrar defends PA speaker constitutional powers to de-seat members
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan has ‘unlimited powers’ as he is the head of the House.
“If any member violates oath, then the speaker can suspend that member,” he said.
The law minister speaking to the media in Lahore stated opposition has the right to protest, but if they commit vandalism inside the assembly, that would not count as a peaceful protest.
Regarding the de-seating of 26 members, he said the speaker could send references to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The federal minister said the assembly speaker should remain neutral in assembly proceedings.
Tarrar pinned hopes that PA Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan will find a better way forward while keeping democratic traditions in view.
