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Punjab Assembly Mulls De-Seating 26 Suspended Opposition Lawmakers
Legal move underway to de-seat 26 suspended opposition MPAs in Punjab Assembly over protest during CM Maryam Nawaz’s speech. Speaker seeks legal advice, eyes court precedents.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-01
Punjab Assembly Mulls De-Seating 26 Suspended Opposition Lawmakers

Legal proceedings have been set in motion to de-seat 26 suspended opposition members of the Punjab Assembly, following their involvement in aggressive sloganeering and disruption during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's budget speech last month.

According to sources within the Punjab Assembly Secretariat, the Speaker’s Office has initiated consultations with the Punjab Law Department to explore constitutional and legal avenues for permanently terminating the membership of the suspended lawmakers.

The move comes amid heightened political tensions in the province, where the opposition staged fierce protests against the government, culminating in the mass suspension of 26 members during a high-profile session.

Sources reveal that constitutional clauses, relevant rules of procedure, and judicial precedents are being reviewed. Notably, the Speaker’s Office is also examining the Supreme Court judgment by former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial in the Hamza Shahbaz case, which dealt with assembly membership and voting rights of lawmakers under certain conditions.

It remains unclear whether the de-seating effort is politically motivated or grounded in legal precedent. However, legal experts warn that such a move could deepen political polarization and may face challenges in court.

The suspension was triggered by opposition lawmakers chanting slogans and holding placards during Maryam Nawaz's address, accusing the government of economic mismanagement and undemocratic practices.

If the Speaker proceeds with the de-seating plan, it could significantly impact the numerical strength of the opposition and alter legislative dynamics in the Punjab Assembly.

No official statement has yet been issued by the Speaker or the Punjab government. However, opposition parties have vowed to resist any unconstitutional attempt to strip elected members of their seats.

 
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