Punjab MPAs may strike decorum deal
Key representatives from both treasury and opposition benches are likely to establish Terms of Reference (ToRs) in the coming days, aimed at regulating the future proceedings of the Punjab Assembly and discouraging humiliation, abusive exchanges and violent conduct between lawmakers.
The development follows an initial consultative meeting between Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and 26 suspended MPAs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over disqualification references filed against them.
Both sides reportedly agreed to form a joint committee of senior members to make the consultation process more effective and to explore constitutional, legal and parliamentary solutions to the impasse.
It is worth mentioning that Speaker Khan had received disqualification references against these currently suspended MPAs under Article 63(2) read with Article 113 of the Constitution.
It is his constitutional obligation to decide on these references within 30 days, as stipulated in the said provisions.
Accordingly, the speaker had summoned the suspended MPAs for a hearing under Article 10-A of the Constitution by July 11 (yesterday) in his chamber at the Punjab Assembly.
A reliable source, speaking to The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity, said that the speaker's move to suspend 26 MPAs and subsequently refer the matter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) served a dual purpose: first, it helped dispel perceptions within his party of him favouring the opposition; second, it brought the opposition to the negotiating table under the pretext of the disqualification reference, thereby creating space to frame mutually agreed-upon TORs.
The source added that the meeting atmosphere was cordial, and a second round of talks may be held on Sunday or the following day.
Both sides may nominate three or four members each to form the joint committee tasked with drafting TORs to ensure that members refrain from abusive, humiliating, or violent conduct.
A key point being considered is that every member should be heard respectfully in the House, without interruptions, before any responses are made.
If the opposition still feels compelled to protest, they may do so in line with democratic parliamentary norms and without resorting to derogatory language or physical disruption.
The treasury is still debating whether the TORs should specifically mention Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz by name, ensuring that her speeches, along with those of Leader of the Opposition Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar and others, proceed without disruption, or whether the document should adopt a broader principle stating that all members' speeches are to be respected and disruptions will be dealt with strictly.
According to the source, the opposition may find it difficult to remain calm during Maryam Nawaz's speeches.
However, they are expected to acknowledge that while protest is their democratic right, they do not support abusive or violent conduct.
In future sessions, they may restrict protests to their designated benches rather than assembling in front of the speaker's dais.
First round of meeting
During the first round of talks chaired by Speaker Khan in his chamber, treasury representatives and the suspended PTI MPAs, led by Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, proposed initiating mutual dialogue.
The speaker welcomed this proposal warmly.
Speaker Khan began the meeting by referencing past political regimes and then stressed the importance of democratic conduct within the assembly.
"Dialogue and consultation are the essence of parliamentary democracy. Every disagreement can be resolved through a positive, dignified, and constitutional approach," the speaker said.
Both sides demonstrated a willingness to set aside their differences and proceed in accordance with democratic norms.
Background
Speaker Khan has often been viewed as sympathetic to the opposition, regularly allowing their members sufficient time to speak during proceedings, including on points of order.
He has also been noted for at times taking a stern tone with treasury members.
Over time, this approach led to a growing perception among treasury lawmakers that the speaker was disproportionately favouring the opposition.
They argued that he should limit the opposition's floor time and adopt a more stringent posture.
However, Speaker Khan maintained that it was necessary to carry both sides along and that taking punitive action on minor infractions was not appropriate.
While his conciliatory approach was appreciated by the opposition, it created unease within the treasury benches. Eventually, the treasury began ignoring the opposition's protests and disruptions in the House, especially during speeches by CM Maryam Nawaz.
At times, opposition lawmakers were even seen confined to their seats rather than protesting in front of the speaker's dais.
The speaker and the treasury had long urged the opposition to maintain peace and decorum during the chief minister's addresses.
However, the opposition appeared to take advantage of the speaker's leniency, praising his neutrality while continuing to disrupt proceedings during Maryam Nawaz's speeches, despite assurances to the contrary.
This tension peaked during the recent budget session. On June 27, when CM Maryam Nawaz delivered her address, the opposition appeared especially aggressive, possibly emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision on the reserved seats issue.
Speaker Khan was under pressure to maintain order, while the treasury expected the opposition to honour past understandings. However, the apex court's ruling changed the atmosphere drastically.
The opposition left no stone unturned in disrupting the CM's speech, prompting the speaker to move forward with disqualification references.
The speaker's decision to initiate the references attracted public criticism, with many arguing that PTI had already been politically cornered.
Several PML-N lawmakers also advised the speaker to resolve the matter within the assembly, rather than escalating it to the ECP.