Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has said that the Speaker’s role is rooted in constitutional responsibility, impartiality, and the maintenance of parliamentary discipline.
He was addressing a gathering of university students at the historic Old Punjab Assembly Hall, here on Tuesday. “The Speaker’s duty is to conduct the proceedings of the House strictly in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and the Assembly’s rules of procedure,” he said. “As Speaker, I am the custodian of the House’s decorum and discipline.” Responding to criticism of his recent decisions, the Speaker said, “There is often debate about whether the Speaker should take sides. My role has repeatedly been misrepresented. I take every decision within the constitutional and legal framework.” Clarifying the legal scope of his authority, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan referred to Article 63(2) of the Constitution, which empowers the Speaker to initiate action if a member violates the Constitution. “When members resort to abusive language, make obscene gestures, or harass female members, it becomes my constitutional obligation to act,” he added.
Commenting on the recent uproar during the budget session, the Speaker described it as a serious violation of the public’s right to transparency. “Disrupting the Finance Minister’s speech, tearing budget books, and attempting to attack the Speaker’s chair, this kind of behavior has continued for 22 years. It must stop,” he asserted.
The Speaker clarified that he is not aligned with any political party but is focused on safeguarding parliamentary values and norms. He noted that under his leadership, the opposition was given representation in standing committees, a courtesy not extended during Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi’s tenure.
During the recent budget session, he revealed, the opposition submitted 37 applications, 12 of which were solely aimed at causing disruption. Despite this, the Speaker expressed his willingness to mediate and facilitate dialogue between the government and opposition for the country’s greater good.
“It is justice and adherence to the Constitution that will ensure Pakistan’s stability,” he said. “My role is clearly defined in the Constitution, and as long as I serve as Speaker, I will continue to uphold it,” he added.
