The Punjab government has ramped up its efforts to undermine the opposition’s influence in the provincial Assembly, launching a raft of actions aimed at eroding their control over key institutions. Chief among these initiatives is a move to strip opposition legislators of their chairmanships across 13 standing committees.

According to sources, no-confidence motions have already been filed in the Punjab Assembly Secretariat, with proceedings scheduled to commence today. In the first round, three committee chairmen will face no-confidence votes, while the remaining chairs will be contested in subsequent phases.

The opposition currently leads several influential committees, including Auqaf (Religious Affairs) and Energy, which the ruling coalition is determined to retake.

The move coincides with heightened tensions following the suspension of numerous opposition members.

Last month, 26 opposition lawmakers were suspended for causing disruption during the budget speech. Their suspension has not only weakened the opposition numerically but also stripped it of the constitutional mandate to requisition an Assembly session, which requires signatures from at least 93 members.

Following the suspensions, the opposition is left with only 79 active members, severely limiting its ability to challenge the government.

Overall, of the 105 opposition members in the Punjab Assembly, a majority are now effectively sidelined. The Speaker has indicated further disciplinary measures are under consideration, including the possibility of filing formal references against some of the suspended legislators.

Additionally, in response to vandalism and damage to government property during the June 16 budget session, the Speaker has imposed fines totaling over Rs2 million on 10 opposition members.