Punjab MPAs’ Disqualification Talks Conclude Without Resolution

LAHORE: Negotiations between government and opposition committees regarding the disqualification of Punjab MPAs concluded on Sunday without a breakthrough. However, both parties have consented to persist with discussions, aiming to achieve a resolution to the ongoing disagreement.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan presided over the session involving government and opposition representatives. Despite the discussions, neither side has reached a consensus on any particular aspect.

Previously, the speaker submitted a disqualification reference to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) concerning 26 MPAs due to disturbances, slogans, shouting, and document tearing during the budget session.

Statements Following the Meeting

Following the meeting, Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, informed journalists that meetings will proceed until an agreement is reached. He refuted claims of a deadlock, noting that the speaker has urged adherence to assembly regulations.

Bhachar clarified that resolutions would require more time and involve consultations with the parliamentary party, emphasizing that the PA speaker will ensure both parties adhere to procedural rules.

Punjab Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, conveyed that definitive agreements are still pending, expressing optimism that resolutions may emerge after further meetings.

He affirmed the treasury’s disinclination towards deseating or disqualifying opposition legislators, stating that the primary goal is to uphold the respect and dignity of the assembly, which he believes can be achieved through dialogue.

Mujtaba added that both factions will consult their respective parliamentary parties concerning the topics discussed during the meeting.

He also voiced optimism that any decisions made would resonate within the National Assembly and other legislative bodies.

Background of the Dispute

Negotiation committees were previously established by both the government and the opposition to address the speaker’s disqualification reference against opposition members in the Punjab Assembly, according to sources familiar with the matter.

List of MPAs Named in the Reference

The reference involves PTI-backed MPAs, including Malik Farhad Masood, Muhammad Tanveer Aslam, Syed Riffat Mehmood, Yasir Mehmood Qureshi, Kaleem Ullah Khan, Muhammad Ansar Iqbal, Ali Asif, Zulfiqar Ali, Ahmad Mujtaba Chaudhary, Shahid Javed, Muhammad Ismael, and Khayal Ahmad, Shahbaz Ahmad, Tayyab Rashid, Imtiaz Mehmood, Ali Imtiaz, Rashid Tufail, Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal, Khalid Zubair Nisar, Ch Muhammad Ejaz Shafi, Saima Kanwal, Muhammad Naeem, Sajjad Ahmed, Rana, Aourang Zaib, Shuaib Ameer and Usama Asghar Ali Gujjar.

Fines Imposed on Lawmakers

In a separate development, ten opposition lawmakers were fined over Rs2 million for vandalism, including breaking microphones, based on video evidence.

Those fined include Chaudhary Javed Kausar, Asad Abbas, Tanveer Aslam, Riffat Mehmood, Muhammad Ismael, Shahbaz Ahmad, Imtiaz Mehmood, Khalid Zubair, Rana Aourang Zaib and Muhammad Ahsan Ali, each required to pay Rs203,550.