By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE – In a key development over the suspension of 26 members from the Punjab Assembly, the government and opposition reached a consensus during a negotiation committee meeting to activate the Advisory Committee and Ethics Committee to ensure smooth parliamentary proceedings. However, the opposition remained firm on its right to protest.
Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar reiterated that the assembly must function within the framework of Rule 223 and the Ethics Committee. He stated, “Abusive language is never acceptable; we did not endorse it then, and we do not now. If the government restores our suspended members, we will rejoin the house. Otherwise, we will hold a parallel assembly session outside.”
He clarified that the opposition had neither been asked for an apology nor had they issued one. “We are in opposition and will continue to protest. We will not return to the assembly unless our members are reinstated and fines withdrawn,” Bhachar maintained.
He further confirmed that three key points were agreed upon with the government: the implementation of Rule 223, the activation of the Advisory Committee, and the establishment of the Ethics Committee.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, along with members from both sides, participated in the meeting via audio link. He appreciated the success of the negotiations and emphasized that “abusive traditions should end. The opposition has every right to protest, but within constitutional boundaries.”
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