By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has stated that every action of the Punjab Assembly is governed strictly by the Constitution, law, and established rules, and the sanctity of the House will not be compromised under any circumstances.
Addressing a press conference at the Old Building of the Punjab Assembly, the Speaker emphasized that clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) exist regarding entry into the Assembly, guests’ access, and security, and strict implementation of these SOPs is mandatory.
The Speaker said that the Leader of the Opposition had informed him about the intention of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to visit the Punjab Assembly, which he welcomed and approved in principle. However, he clarified that submission of a complete list of guests along with valid national identity cards is mandatory for entry into the Assembly, as the Punjab Assembly is a sensitive institution located within the Red Zone. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated that unfortunately, individuals whose names were not included in the guest list were brought to the Assembly, and some of them had a past record of involvement in riots, arson, and damage to public property.
He said that in such circumstances, law enforcement agencies are compelled to intervene, and such conduct cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. The Speaker Punjab Assembly further said that these are the same elements who plan hooliganism even at sacred places such as Makkah and Madinah, where there is no room for any activity other than worship. Such behavior not only undermines the sanctity of holy places but also damages the dignity of state institutions and democratic forums.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan announced that an inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the incident of violence and disorder in the Punjab Assembly, and its report will be forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further action. He stated that the first violation occurred at the entry gate of the Assembly, where rules were blatantly breached. The Speaker emphasized that political parties play a vital role in strengthening the federation; however, this requires tolerance, dialogue, and strict adherence to the rule of law. He reiterated that the Punjab Assembly is not an ordinary place where anyone can enter without authorization.
If anyone has objections to laws, policies, or decisions, such matters should be raised within the House. Acts of violence, vandalism, abuse, and disorder cannot be justified as political rights. He said that there is no example anywhere in the world where dozens of military installations were attacked in a single day, adding that such acts were not public reaction but a result of organized planning.
Those who violate the sanctity of sacred places, democratic institutions, and state establishments do not deserve any leniency. The Speaker Punjab Assembly concluded by stating that political differences are acceptable, but the use of obscene language against women, desecration of holy places, and damage to public and government property are absolutely unacceptable. Anyone found violating the law will face strict and impartial action.
