The troubles of suspended opposition members of the Punjab Assembly intensified on Tuesday after a female lawmaker submitted a formal workplace harassment complaint to the Speaker, marking a first in the assembly’s history.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Rahila Khadim Hussain filed the petition under workplace harassment provisions, accusing four of the 26 suspended opposition lawmakers of using “extremely unparliamentary” and “abusive” language during a recent assembly session.
The complaint, submitted to Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, also includes audio recordings purportedly evidencing the alleged misconduct.
In her petition, Rahila Hussain stated that the opposition members not only breached the decorum of the House but also created a hostile work environment, particularly targeting female lawmakers.
“The female members of the opposition took the lead in using abusive language,” the petition claims, adding that “the behaviour amounted to harassment at the workplace.”
The petition cites violations of Rule 223 of the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, asserting that the opposition members acted in defiance of their oath of office. Ms Hussain has urged the Speaker to consider initiating disqualification proceedings against the members involved.
She further demanded that any punitive measures be undertaken in accordance with the disciplinary framework set out in 2010.
The Speaker’s office has not yet issued an official response to the petition, but sources suggest the matter is under consideration and may be forwarded to the relevant committee for review.
This development follows the suspension of 26 opposition members earlier this month after a heated session saw loud protests, sloganeering, and accusations exchanged across the aisle. The Speaker had cited indiscipline and disruption of assembly proceedings as grounds for the suspension.
