Latest news with #Khyber-PakhtunkhwaAssembly
Express Tribune
12-07-2025
- Politics
- 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
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
MPAs elected on reserved seats seek oath before Senate polls
Members-elect on reserved seats in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly have formally requested the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to intervene and facilitate their oath-taking process, as the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly has allegedly refused to administer the oath. In their written application to the ECP, the members have urged the Commission to exercise its constitutional authority and seek the assistance of the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court to administer the oath under Article 255(2) of the Constitution. The issue arose after the Speaker failed to convene an assembly session to swear in members elected on reserved seats for women and minorities. Despite a formal letter from the opposition urging immediate action, no steps were taken by the Speaker, prompting the members-elect to approach the ECP. According to the letter, following the Supreme Court's verdict, the ECP had already issued notifications confirming the success of candidates on the reserved seats. However, the delay in administering their oaths has left the assembly incomplete, which in turn is obstructing the Senate election process. The ECP has announced July 21 as the date for the Senate elections, but the members argue that without their oaths, the electoral college for the Senate polls remains incomplete. They have requested that their oaths be ensured before July 21 so that the assembly is fully constituted and the Senate elections can be held on schedule.
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Speaker Swati slams US strike on Iran
Speaker of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Babar Saleem Swati, has strongly condemned the United States' unprovoked attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, terming it a blatant and serious violation of Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity, the United Nations Charter, and international law. He stated that the strike comes at a time when Iran is already facing aggression from Israel, adding that such actions will not only escalate tensions in the region but also pose a grave threat to global peace. Swati expressed full solidarity and sympathy with the people and government of Iran, urging the international community to take immediate notice of the aggression and play its role in ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East. He further emphasized that international institutions like the United Nations must not remain silent spectators, and that upholding international law should be their foremost priority. Meanwhile, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr Saif, has strongly criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's reported proposal to nominate former US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling it the "height of sycophantic politics." Barrister Saif said it was incomprehensible to suggest such an honor for a man "responsible for raining bombs on Muslims." He pointed out that President Trump not only directly attacked Iran during his tenure but also rejected ceasefire resolutions on Gaza eight times. "Instead of mediating peace between Iran and Israel, innocent civilians are being directly targeted — and Shehbaz Sharif remains silent, yet talks of nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. This is not only shameful, it is condemnable," he stated. He further said, "There is a limit to flattery, and Shehbaz Sharif's recent remarks are not just disgraceful but reflect the ultimate level of servitude. Nominating Trump is tantamount to insulting the entire Muslim Ummah."
Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
K-P Opposition rejects budget, cites failures
Opposition parties in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly have outright rejected the provincial budget for the fiscal year 202526, expressing deep reservations over its substance. In stark contrast, government members lauded the budget, hailing it as the "best in the province's history." Leader of the Opposition, Dr Ibadullah, speaking on the floor of the House, criticized the budget by highlighting the province's heavy reliance on external sources. "Only seven per cent of the province's revenue is internally generated, while 93 per cent depends on federal transfers and loans," he said. "Government expenditures make up 99 per cent while development spending is only 1 per cent. This is the 12th and likely the last budget of PTI's rule." He criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for failing to fully utilize Annual Development Program (ADP) funds during its 12-year rule. "There's a lot of activity on social media, but the reality on the ground is that the province lies in ruins," he added. Dr Ibadullah also made references to international and regional politics, praising the army for its response to Indian aggression and expressing solidarity with Iran. Addressing the development allocations, he noted: "Though Rs538 billion has been earmarked for development, this is not a surplus budget as claimed. The figures are misleading, and the public is being deceived." He pointed out the provincial debt ballooning from Rs166 billion during the ANP era to Rs800 billion under PTI, amounting to a 600 per cent increase. He called out failures in flagship projects such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and raised corruption allegations related to the Kohistan, Malam Jabba, and Billion Tree Tsunami scandals. "Rs31 billion have been recovered from the Kohistan scam alone due to the Speaker's efforts," he claimed. He also lamented the overall state of education and healthcare in the province, saying that 30 per cent of schools lack basic facilities and a large percentage of students struggle with basic subjects like Urdu and mathematics. In higher education, he accused universities of mass hiring and lack of research output, while also claiming that 60 per cent of Basic Health Units (BHUs) are non-functional. "Health cards are being politicized, and hospitals are in a dire state. Tell us one positive achievement," he demanded.
Express Tribune
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Budget unveiled amid standoff
A political standoff erupted on Friday over the convening of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session to present the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The dispute began when the Governor refused to summon the assembly session scheduled for June 13, prompting the government to take independent action. In response to the governor's refusal, the ruling party submitted a requisition signed by 40 members of the Assembly to the acting Secretary of the Assembly, Syed Muhammad Mair. Acting swiftly, the Speaker summoned the assembly session within two hours, and the budget along with the Finance Bill for the next fiscal year was tabled at 3pm. The provincial government had sent a formal summary to the Governor a day earlier, requesting him to convene the Assembly session on June 13. Initially, the Governor House even issued details confirming receipt of the summary. However, on Friday, the Governor House issued a revised statement, indicating a standoff between Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. The new statement declared that the Governor had decided not to return the summary but also would not sign it immediately. He emphasized that, under the Constitution, he has 14 days to act on such a summary and is not obligated to sign it on the same day. Governor Kundi stated, "I have received the summary to convene the Assembly session and I am reviewing it. I am not bound to sign it today. I will do so only after fulfilling all constitutional and legal requirements. No one can force me to sign it immediately — neither the Chief Minister nor anyone else through threats or pressure." The Governor further remarked, "I will not be intimidated by groups that attack the state or those who fuel corruption in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The Chief Minister should refrain from his hollow threats."
