The National Assembly has suspended PTI lawmaker Muhammad Iqbal Khan Afridi for the entire budget session over alleged misconduct. The decision matters because it comes ahead of key budget proceedings and intensifies political tensions. Parliament, lawmakers, and government-opposition relations are directly affected.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq announced the suspension, citing repeated violations of parliamentary discipline. He said Afridi had used inappropriate and unparliamentary language against staff and officials. The speaker added that multiple complaints had been received regarding his conduct. He directed security staff to remove the lawmaker from the House.
Officials also alleged that Afridi misbehaved with National Assembly employees and security personnel. The speaker said he had previously engaged in confrontations outside Parliament as well. A motion moved by PML-N legislator Farah Naz Akbar was approved by majority vote. The motion cited repeated disruptions and abuse of parliamentary authority.
Afridi was also barred from entering Parliament House during the budget session. The speaker said he would not receive allowances for the duration of the suspension. The House was informed of earlier incidents involving threats and disorderly behaviour. The decision was taken under the rules of procedure governing parliamentary conduct.
Meanwhile, opposition PTI lawmakers protested the action and raised broader grievances in the House. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan demanded arrangements for meetings with party leadership. The speaker rejected calls for repeated quorum challenges during proceedings. Further debate continued as opposition members staged a walkout from the session.