By Asim Shehzad
LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has asserted that there can be no compromise on the supremacy of the Assembly, stressing that the authority to legislate and impose taxes rests solely with the elected House.
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Addressing a press conference at the Punjab Assembly, he said the practice of limiting constitutional powers through SROs is unacceptable and questioned how long such measures would continue to challenge parliamentary authority.
He noted that even after decades, institutions have not evolved sufficiently to ensure that law enforcers themselves remain bound by the law, despite holding the country’s future in their hands. Emphasising parliamentary supremacy, he said taxation powers cannot be delegated to any non-elected body under any circumstances.
The Speaker stated that all decisions related to taxation will now be made by the Assembly, adding that no entity would be allowed to undermine constitutional authority. He urged lawmakers to fulfil their representative responsibilities and play an active role in upholding parliamentary supremacy.
Commenting on the issue of agricultural income tax, he said the matter should not be viewed as a conflict with the bureaucracy but rather as a question of constitutional jurisdiction. He maintained that national progress depends on strengthening Parliament rather than relying on unelected institutions.
He further clarified that agricultural tax was intended for large-scale corporate farming sectors, while the authority to grant exemptions also lies with the Assembly. He added that the cabinet has referred the matter to a committee to determine the scope of exemptions.
Referring to Article 77 of the Constitution, he said all taxation measures must be presented before the Assembly and cannot bypass legal procedures, Standing Orders, or constitutional requirements. He added that the issue of agricultural income tax has been under discussion in the Assembly for the past eight months and will be resolved in accordance with the law.
