Punjab Assembly to host international conference
The Punjab Assembly is set to host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia and Southeast Asia Regional Conference, a landmark event scheduled to take place in Lahore from February 6 to 8.
The conference will bring together over 100 parliamentary representatives from 20 countries, including 13 speakers, four deputy speakers and one Chairman, marking a significant moment for Pakistan's parliamentary diplomacy.
Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan visited the Assembly to review the preparations and security arrangements for the international event. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasised, "The CPA Conference is a golden opportunity to promote Pakistan's parliamentary identity and enhance global parliamentary cooperation." He added that hosting this conference is not just an honor for Punjab but for all of Pakistan. The historic Punjab Assembly will serve as the venue for discussions on parliamentary democracy, transparent legislation, and accountability. Established in 1911, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) represents 180 parliaments across 56 countries, with the Punjab Assembly being a proud member since 1954.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan reiterated that the event will showcase Punjab's rich parliamentary traditions while fostering diplomatic engagement with international delegates.
Delegations from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the United Kingdom, Zambia, Malaysia, and several other nations will be attending the conference. The Speaker further directed that every aspect of the event be closely monitored to uphold the highest standards of hospitality and efficiency.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Speaker 'concerned' over disqualification move in Punjab Assembly
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati has expressed serious concern over the suspension and possible disqualification of opposition members in the Punjab Assembly. In a formal letter addressed to the speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Swati criticised the recent decision to suspend 26 opposition lawmakers for 15 sessions and raised objections to the potential disqualification proceedings against them under Article 63(2) of the Constitution. Terming the move a misinterpretation of constitutional powers and contrary to democratic traditions, Swati emphasised that while maintaining decorum within the assembly is vital and Rule 210(3) of the Assembly's Rules of Procedure is relevant for disciplinary measures, any subsequent attempt to seek disqualification under Article 63(2) would constitute overstepping constitutional boundaries. He warned that such measures could lead to the misuse of constitutional provisions and pose a threat to the autonomy, sanctity, and dignity of all legislative assemblies across the country. Swati further highlighted that a combined reading of Articles 66 and 69 with Article 127 of the Constitution clearly provides immunity to members for their conduct within the House, and any external interference in such matters is unconstitutional. Stressing the long-term implications of the issue, the K-P Assembly speaker noted that actions like these could set a dangerous precedent, ultimately undermining parliamentary democracy and the supremacy of the Constitution.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
PA speaker forms committee to negotiate opposition suspensions
Listen to article Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has constituted an eight-member negotiation committee to address the issue of references filed against suspended Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members, Express News reported. The development follows an initial consultative meeting between Speaker Khan and 26 suspended MPAs of PTI over disqualification references filed against them. The committee includes chief whip Rana Arshad, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman, Khawaja Salman Rafique, Samiullah Khan, and Ahmad Iqbal. Additional representation comes from allied parties with Ali Haider Gillani from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Chaudhry Shafay Hussain from the Pakistan Muslim League (Q), and Shoaib Siddiqui from the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP).also named to the body. Sources further revealed that the opposition is expected to submit its nominees to the speaker today. The opposition delegation may include Opposition Leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar, Parliamentary Leader Ali Imtiaz Waraich, PTI Lahore President Sheikh Imtiaz, Ejaz Shafi, and other senior members. The second round of talks between the government and opposition committees is scheduled for Sunday at 4:30 pm at the Punjab Assembly. Both sides are expected to finalise their recommendations for the negotiation framework by the end of the day. Read: Punjab MPAs may strike decorum deal Key representatives from both treasury and opposition benches are likely to establish Terms of Reference (ToRs) in the coming days, aimed at regulating the future proceedings of the Punjab Assembly and discouraging humiliation, abusive exchanges and violent conduct between lawmakers. The list of suspended PTI MPAs includes: Malik Fahad Masood (PP-13), Muhammad Tanveer Aslam (PP-19), Syed Riffat Mehmood (PP-24), Yasir Mehmood Qureshi (PP-25), Kaleem Ullah Khan (PP-60), Muhammad Ansar Iqbal (PP-73), Ali Asif (PP-75), Zulifqar Ali (PP-76), Ahmad Mujtaba Chaudhary (PP-99), Shahid Javed (PP-115), Muhammad Ismael (PP-116), Khayal Ahmad (PP-118), Shahbaz Ahmad (PP-130), Tayyab Rashid (PP-141), Imtiaz Mehmood (PP-155), Ali Imtiaz (PP-156), Rashid Tufail (PP-175), Rai Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal (PP-203), Khalid Zubair Nisar (PP-231), Chaudhry Muhammad Ejaz Shafi (PP-258), Samia Kanwal (PP-260), Muhammad Naeem (PP-263), Sajjad Ahmad (PP-265), Rana Aurang Zaib (PP-276), Shuaib Ameer (PP-281), and Usama Asghar Ali Gujjar (PP-282). Both sides reportedly agreed to form a joint committee of senior members to make the consultation process more effective and to explore constitutional, legal and parliamentary solutions to the impasse. It is worth mentioning that Speaker Khan had received disqualification references against these currently suspended MPAs under Article 63(2) read with Article 113 of the Constitution. It is his constitutional obligation to decide on these references within 30 days, as stipulated in the said provisions.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Punjab MPAs may strike decorum deal
Listen to article Key representatives from both treasury and opposition benches are likely to establish Terms of Reference (ToRs) in the coming days, aimed at regulating the future proceedings of the Punjab Assembly and discouraging humiliation, abusive exchanges and violent conduct between lawmakers. The development follows an initial consultative meeting between Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and 26 suspended MPAs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over disqualification references filed against them. Both sides reportedly agreed to form a joint committee of senior members to make the consultation process more effective and to explore constitutional, legal and parliamentary solutions to the impasse. It is worth mentioning that Speaker Khan had received disqualification references against these currently suspended MPAs under Article 63(2) read with Article 113 of the Constitution. It is his constitutional obligation to decide on these references within 30 days, as stipulated in the said provisions. Accordingly, the speaker had summoned the suspended MPAs for a hearing under Article 10-A of the Constitution by July 11 (yesterday) in his chamber at the Punjab Assembly. A reliable source, speaking to The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity, said that the speaker's move to suspend 26 MPAs and subsequently refer the matter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) served a dual purpose: first, it helped dispel perceptions within his party of him favouring the opposition; second, it brought the opposition to the negotiating table under the pretext of the disqualification reference, thereby creating space to frame mutually agreed-upon TORs. The source added that the meeting atmosphere was cordial, and a second round of talks may be held on Sunday or the following day. Both sides may nominate three or four members each to form the joint committee tasked with drafting TORs to ensure that members refrain from abusive, humiliating, or violent conduct. A key point being considered is that every member should be heard respectfully in the House, without interruptions, before any responses are made. If the opposition still feels compelled to protest, they may do so in line with democratic parliamentary norms and without resorting to derogatory language or physical disruption. The treasury is still debating whether the TORs should specifically mention Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz by name, ensuring that her speeches, along with those of Leader of the Opposition Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar and others, proceed without disruption, or whether the document should adopt a broader principle stating that all members' speeches are to be respected and disruptions will be dealt with strictly. According to the source, the opposition may find it difficult to remain calm during Maryam Nawaz's speeches. However, they are expected to acknowledge that while protest is their democratic right, they do not support abusive or violent conduct. In future sessions, they may restrict protests to their designated benches rather than assembling in front of the speaker's dais. First round of meeting During the first round of talks chaired by Speaker Khan in his chamber, treasury representatives and the suspended PTI MPAs, led by Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, proposed initiating mutual dialogue. The speaker welcomed this proposal warmly. Speaker Khan began the meeting by referencing past political regimes and then stressed the importance of democratic conduct within the assembly. "Dialogue and consultation are the essence of parliamentary democracy. Every disagreement can be resolved through a positive, dignified, and constitutional approach," the speaker said. Both sides demonstrated a willingness to set aside their differences and proceed in accordance with democratic norms. Background Speaker Khan has often been viewed as sympathetic to the opposition, regularly allowing their members sufficient time to speak during proceedings, including on points of order. He has also been noted for at times taking a stern tone with treasury members. Over time, this approach led to a growing perception among treasury lawmakers that the speaker was disproportionately favouring the opposition. They argued that he should limit the opposition's floor time and adopt a more stringent posture. However, Speaker Khan maintained that it was necessary to carry both sides along and that taking punitive action on minor infractions was not appropriate. While his conciliatory approach was appreciated by the opposition, it created unease within the treasury benches. Eventually, the treasury began ignoring the opposition's protests and disruptions in the House, especially during speeches by CM Maryam Nawaz. At times, opposition lawmakers were even seen confined to their seats rather than protesting in front of the speaker's dais. The speaker and the treasury had long urged the opposition to maintain peace and decorum during the chief minister's addresses. However, the opposition appeared to take advantage of the speaker's leniency, praising his neutrality while continuing to disrupt proceedings during Maryam Nawaz's speeches, despite assurances to the contrary. This tension peaked during the recent budget session. On June 27, when CM Maryam Nawaz delivered her address, the opposition appeared especially aggressive, possibly emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision on the reserved seats issue. Speaker Khan was under pressure to maintain order, while the treasury expected the opposition to honour past understandings. However, the apex court's ruling changed the atmosphere drastically. The opposition left no stone unturned in disrupting the CM's speech, prompting the speaker to move forward with disqualification references. The speaker's decision to initiate the references attracted public criticism, with many arguing that PTI had already been politically cornered. Several PML-N lawmakers also advised the speaker to resolve the matter within the assembly, rather than escalating it to the ECP.
