Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan has announced a crackdown on disruptive behaviour in the House.
Khan, speaking to the media in the assembly on Saturday, expressed his disappointment with the recent conduct of some MPAs and vowed to establish an ethics committee to address the issue.
He criticized the use of "baseless allegations" and "dirty slogans against families," calling them tactics of personal enmity that have replaced healthy political opposition. Khan emphasized the importance of democratic traditions and blamed the decline of the assembly on its own members, accusing some of using the floor for "personal purposes" (a possible reference to underhanded tactics).
The speaker detailed incidents of unruly behaviour, including members shouting and using offensive language. He expressed shame at footage showing such behaviour and called for a code of conduct to prevent further violations.
Khan asserted his power to expel members and highlighted his suspension of those involved in disruptive behaviour during a recent session. He vowed zero tolerance for heckling and expressed his efforts to promote dialogue and civilized conduct.
The speaker also addressed concerns about language usage in the assembly. While acknowledging Punjabi as the provincial language, he emphasized his willingness to allow members to speak in Saraiki, Potohari and Mewari.
Khan took aim at recent protests, questioning the appropriateness of chanting slogans and throwing objects. He emphasized the distinction between the assembly and a "container" (referencing a tactic used by opposition leader Imran Khan), reminding everyone they are within the bounds of the Constitution.
Drawing on past experience, Khan recounted his conversation with former speaker Parvez Elahi, where he criticized the suspension of a large portion of the assembly under the PTI rule. He emphasized the importance of standing committees and his efforts to uphold the rights of the opposition.
