Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has formed an eight-member negotiation committee to handle disqualification references filed against suspended PTI members. This follows a meeting between the Speaker and 26 suspended PTI MPAs, who face charges under Article 63(2) and Article 113 of the Constitution. The committee includes influential government figures like Chief Whip Rana Arshad, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman, and representatives from allied parties such as PPP’s Ali Haider Gillani.
The opposition is expected to submit names for its own negotiation committee later today. The two committees are set to meet on Sunday at 4:30 pm in the Punjab Assembly to discuss a framework for resolving the disqualification issue. Both sides aim to finalize Terms of Reference (ToRs) that will regulate Assembly conduct and reduce hostile behavior among lawmakers.
The Speaker is constitutionally bound to decide on the disqualification references within 30 days, adding urgency to the talks. The joint committee will explore constitutional, legal, and parliamentary solutions to avoid further political deadlock.
This development is part of a broader effort to improve dialogue and cooperation between the government and opposition. Key representatives hope the committees will help restore order and dignity in Assembly proceedings, preventing abusive exchanges and violence.
Suspended PTI members include prominent figures like Malik Fahad Masood, Yasir Mehmood Qureshi, and Samiullah Khan. The formation of this committee signals a significant move toward resolving ongoing tensions and maintaining democratic processes in Punjab’s political landscape.