Negotiations between the government and opposition over the suspension of 26 opposition lawmakers from PTI in the Punjab Assembly ended without any substantial outcome; however, both parties agreed to continue dialogue to resolve the matter as per the constitution.
The meeting of the parliamentary committee, held in the Speaker’s chamber, concluded without results. However, a consensus was reached on holding further rounds of talks. The opposition maintained that such matters cannot be resolved in just a couple of hours, while the government insisted that the suspended lawmakers should be dealt with according to constitutional provisions.
Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan advised that both parties adhere to the Rules of Procedure.
Speaking to the media, Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar confirmed that the issue of the suspended lawmakers remains unresolved. He said this was the second meeting between the two sides, and while the discussions were inconclusive, both sides agreed to continue talks.
He added that the focus of the meetings is on adhering to assembly rules and that both parties must respect parliamentary procedures.
Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yasin, speaking to the media, said that political issues should be resolved through dialogue. “Ali Amin Gandapur went back behaving like a good boy. The opposition should conduct politics within the constitutional framework. More talks are expected,” he stated.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman remarked that the government does not intend to de-seat any members. “We want to resolve internal assembly matters without taking them to other forums. The meeting with the opposition was positive, though they still need to consult with their leadership. We have never resorted to abusive language in the House, and we will not compromise on assembly rules,” he asserted.
Earlier, the negotiation committee, chaired by Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan, held a meeting to discuss the reference sent to the Election Commission seeking the disqualification of the suspended opposition members. The meeting included members from both the treasury and opposition benches.
Government representatives included Samiullah Khan, Iftikhar Chhachhar, Raheela Khadim, Khawaja Salman Rafique, Rana Muhammad Arshad, Bilal Yasin, and former speaker Rana Iqbal. Opposition members present were Leader of the Opposition Malik Ahmad Bhachar, Deputy Opposition Leader Moin Qureshi, Chief Whip Rana Shahbaz, Ali Imtiaz Warraich, and Ejaz Shafi.
During a meeting on July 11, both sides had agreed to continue talks over the disqualification references. The controversy began on June 28 when Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan suspended 26 opposition lawmakers for protesting during the Punjab Chief Minister’s speech in the assembly. He also announced plans to send disqualification references against them to the Election Commission of Pakistan.
