The 26 opposition members who were suspended for disrupting the Punjab Assembly's budget session have been reinstated following successful negotiations between the government and the opposition.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan had earlier suspended the lawmakers for creating a ruckus and disrupting proceedings during the June 27 budget session, warning of further action and even planning to file a reference against them with the Election Commission of Pakistan. They faced suspension, a fine exceeding Rs2 million, and further disciplinary proceedings, including salary deductions.
However, the political deadlock came to an end after both sides reached a consensus through the assembly’s negotiation committee.
The speaker participated in the committee meeting via video link and congratulated all members of the negotiation team for reaching a resolution. “The opposition has the constitutional right to protest, but decorum must be maintained,” he emphasized.
Key decisions from the meeting included an agreement by both sides to refrain from using foul language in future sessions. It was also decided that the Ethics Committee's rulings will be treated as final and binding — a step aimed at restoring parliamentary discipline.
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Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan expressed hope that "the tradition of shouting and disorder will not be repeated," reiterating the importance of upholding the dignity of the House.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman told the media that a consensus has been reached to ensure a respectful environment in the House. Both sides agreed that there will be no verbal abuse or sloganeering during speeches by either the Leader of the House or the Leader of the Opposition.
He further stated that the Ethics Committee will be activated to monitor compliance with these agreements. If violations occur, the committee will recommend appropriate disciplinary actions.
“Today’s meeting was productive. Both the government and the opposition have agreed to maintain decorum in the Assembly,” said Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman.
He confirmed that the 26 suspended members will be allowed to cast their votes in the upcoming Senate elections. However, the final decision on their full reinstatement will be taken by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan upon his return.
The meeting, chaired by Rana Muhammad Iqbal, was attended by government and opposition representatives. The Speaker also participated online. Discussions were held under the framework of the Business Advisory Committee, which will guide how the upcoming sessions are conducted.
Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman emphasized that:
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The Leader of the Opposition will be given due respect and uninterrupted time to speak.
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No disruptive slogans will be chanted during speeches by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz or other leaders.
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The Ethics Committee will review any breaches of this agreement and suggest penalties.
He said the official notification for the reinstatement of the suspended members will be issued once the speaker returns.
Earlier, on July 15, the 26 suspended opposition members 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.
However, according to sources, the Punjab Assembly speaker 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.
Additionally, the process of deducting fines from the salaries of 10 suspended members -- charged with vandalism -- was also 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.
