LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan on Tuesday briefed Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz about his action against the opposition lawmakers who indulged in rowdy behaviour during her speech in the House.

Early this month, 26 Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) MPAs were suspended for 15 sittings for “daring to disrupt the speech of Maryam Nawaz by resorting to rowdy behaviour.

And for the first time in the history of the provincial legislature, some 10 opposition lawmakers were also slapped over Rs200,000 fine each on the charge of “damaging public property” during the budget session of the assembly. The opposition in the Punjab Assembly has been conveyed a clear message that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is a “red line” of the Punjab government, and crossing it may have serious consequences.

The PA speaker had also announced filing a reference against these 26 members in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) seeking their disqualification. However, of late he dismissed the impression that he was pursuing their disqualification.

During the meeting on Tuesday, the CM and the speaker also discussed matters pertaining to overall political and administrative situation of the province.

Malik Ahmed Khan praised the CM for the establishment of Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority in order to combat inflation, hoarding, profiteering, encroachments and land grabbing mafia.

Maryam Nawaz said the establishment of an institution like PERA would provide maximum amount of relief to commoners.

“The welfare of every person in Punjab is my foremost priority and this vision is the cornerstone of every major decision being taken by the Punjab government. Access to the provision of basic facilities for the people of Punjab is my strong commitment.”

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2025