Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan strongly defended his role as a neutral and constitutional authority during a press conference in Lahore on Monday.
He responded to protests by the opposition. Their main objection was about his power to forward references to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The Punjab Assembly Speaker clarified that his actions followed legal and constitutional rules.
While talking to the media, he referred to the disqualification of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. At that time, he said, the opposition had demanded that such decisions should be made by the Speaker. Malik Ahmad Khan then questioned why the same process can’t apply now. “If the Prime Minister was disqualified through a judgment like Panama, why not others in similar cases?” he asked.
The Assembly Head rejected the claim that he is aligned with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. “I am not PTI’s representative. I listen to everyone,” he said. He stressed that he tries to run the assembly fairly and smoothly.
Malik Ahmad Khan expressed his commitment to his oath as House Custodian. He said he suspended some members and issued notices based on the rules. These actions, he claimed, were lawful and not biased.
The Legislative Chair also denied the opposition’s claim that the Speaker lacks the power to send cases to the ECP. He explained that such authority has been used before. He also criticized editorials for wrongly questioning his powers.
He raised a serious concern: for 22 years, no finance minister has been able to present a full budget speech without disruption. “Can we accept that? Is it fair that neither the finance minister nor the president can speak in peace?” he asked.
Malik Ahmad Khan challenged the opposition. “If they think I should only protect their rights, then what about the government’s rights?” He said he has always defended the opposition’s voice. However, he believes discipline in the assembly is essential.
The Presiding Officer also pointed out that many misunderstandings could have been avoided. He wished the assembly secretariat had consulted him earlier.
“When I took this role, I promised to serve with honesty,” he said. “Still, I am called the opposition’s Speaker just for giving them more time and facilities.”
He reminded everyone that parliament is not a place where no one speaks. However, he added, protests must have limits. “If you want to teach me lessons, at least hear me out first.”
The Punjab Assembly Speaker repeated his commitment to the Constitution. He explained that suspensions were not done in secret. “Before taking action, I wanted to share my stance with you all,” he said.
He ended the press talk with a message of unity. He urged both the opposition and government members to respect each other. According to him, only mutual respect and constitutional discipline can make the house function effectively.
