In a significant political development, 26 suspended opposition members of the Punjab Assembly have regained their voting rights for the upcoming Senate elections scheduled on July 21, following assurances from the Speaker's Office and a halt in disciplinary actions.
The suspended lawmakers had been penalized during the June 27 budget session of the assembly for creating a ruckus and disrupting proceedings. They faced suspension, a fine exceeding Rs2 million, and further disciplinary proceedings, including salary deductions.
However, according to sources, the Punjab Assembly speaker has now instructed the Assembly Secretariat and government members to pause all actions against the opposition lawmakers while negotiations between the treasury and opposition benches are underway.
“There is no deadlock in talks. The first round was held in a pleasant atmosphere,” said PTI Chief Whip Rana Shahbaz Ahmed, who confirmed that the 26 suspended members will be allowed to vote in the Senate polls.
Rana Shahbaz added that the Speaker’s Office has given verbal assurances, and if the commitment isn’t honoured, the party will consider taking the matter to court.
Additionally, the process of deducting fines from the salaries of 10 suspended members -- charged with vandalism -- has also been put on hold, sources revealed. The speaker had ordered strict action against the members for not paying fines within a week.
The Assembly Secretariat was reportedly preparing for further disciplinary action against 19 more opposition members, but that has now been halted to allow negotiations to continue without escalation.
Meanwhile, the government has shelved a no-confidence motion aimed at removing nine more opposition chairmen from key positions.
A clarification issued by the Punjab Assembly Secretariat confirmed that the 26 suspended members retain their right to vote, potentially tipping the balance in closely contested Senate races.
