By Asim Shehzad
LAHORE: The Punjab government took strict action against opposition members following an uproar during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speech in the provincial assembly. In a significant move, three opposition lawmakers heading standing committees were removed via no-confidence motions.
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Opposition member Saima Kanwal was dismissed from her position as Chairperson of the Special Education Committee, while Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal was removed from the Standing Committee on Management and Professional Department, and Muhammad Ansar Iqbal lost his chairmanship of the Committee on Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education.
The opposition strongly condemned the move. Opposition Leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, accompanied by suspended PTI members, held a press conference outside the Punjab Assembly. He criticized the government, stating, “There is no legal process in this house—only one family’s monopoly is being imposed. Why were only 26 members suspended? If protest was the reason, why not suspend everyone?”
Bhachar accused the Speaker of being biased and undermining democratic values. “They used to call themselves champions of democracy and custodians of the house, but they are no longer so. We will challenge every unconstitutional move in court,” he said. He also questioned the government’s lack of transparency, asking, “Why doesn’t this government account for 10 trillion?”
In response, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan defended the disciplinary actions during his address in the assembly. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and respecting the Constitution and assembly rules. “If no one follows the rules, the speaker has the authority to enforce them,” he stated.
“Is democracy about abusing others, humiliating women, making noise, or physically attacking members? No. Democracy is about listening to one another,” he added.
