LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan on Monday vehemently defended his neutrality and constitutional authority amid ongoing objections from the opposition regarding his powers to forward references to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Meanwhile, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also strongly defended Punjab Assembly speaker`s constitutional powers to deseat members. At a ceremony in Lahore, Tarar asserted that the speaker, asthe head of the House, possesses `unlimited powers`.

Addressing a press conference at the Punjab Assembly, Speaker Khan recalled a past precedent where the then-opposition demanded the disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. `Members now ask, if a prime minister could be removed on the basis of a controversial judgement like Panama, why can`t action be taken against others under similar circumstances?` he questioned, highlighting what he described as a double standard.

He firmly rejected accusations of bias, stating, `I amnot a representative of any political party; I listen to everyone`s point of view. My priority is ensuring the smooth and fair functioning of the House. The speaker reiterated his commitment to honestly fulfilling his role as the custodian of the House, admitting that some members were suspended and others served with notices strictly in accordance with the rules and procedures.

He refuted the opposition`s claim that he lacks the authority to send references to the ECP, asserting that such powers had been exercised in the past and were legally valid. He also criticised media editorials for misinterpreting his constitutional role and authority.

Mr Khan lamented the repeated disruptions in the assembly, noting that for the past 22 years, no finance minister has been able to deliver a complete budget speech without interruption. `Is it acceptable that for 22 years neither a finance minister nor the president can speak without constant disturbance?` He stressed the importance of maintaining discipline within the House, reminding the opposition members that while their rights are protected, government representatives also deserve respect and space.

He noted that many misunderstandings could have been avoided through earlier consultation with the assembly secretariat.

He lamented being labeled as the `opposition`s speaker` merely for granting them extended time and privileges, asserting that he had pledged to serve with honesty and fairness from the onset. While acknowledging that parliament allows for protest, he underscored the importance of setting limits to ensure order.

He urged members to listen to his stance, reiterating his constitutional oath and the need for the assembly to function according to its rules. He also stated that before issuing any suspension orders, he wanted to share his perspective with everyone.

He called on all members to avoid repeating past mistakes and urged both government and opposition to ensure mutual respect and adherence to constitutional boundaries within the assembly.

The speaker clarified that while he is not in favour of expelling any individual from the House, saying he will issue an order regarding the 26 opposition members` references under the Article 63(2) of the Constitution within the next 27 days.

He expressed optimism that meaningful negotiations between the govern-ment and opposition can still improve the assembly`s environment.

Drawing a parallel to the disqualification of a prime minister in the Panama case, the speaker said that if a premier can be removed for violating oath under Article 63(2), then it remains a powerful mechanism for holding elected representatives accountable. `I am not Imran Khan, and I don`t want to disqualify people, but I am bound by the Constitution and the law, he said.

Addressing concerns about his recent meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, the speaker dismissed the speculation as factually incorrect.

ECP clarification An ECP spokesperson, in a statement, clarified that various constitutional and administrative office holders routinely meet with the Election Commission to discussofficial matters.

He cited numerous past meetings between former president Arif Alvi ECP members, particularly concerning electronic voting machines (EVMs) and internet voting -issues that were outside the president`s mandate.

Similarly, the CEC has met with numerous PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Asad Umar, Pervez Khattak, and former chief minister of KP Mahmood Khan, as well as former Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar.

The spokesperson questioned why such meetings were acceptable at the time but are now being criticised, asserting that no ECP official met anyone for personal reasons and that it is not against protocol for politicians and political parties to approach the Election Commission.

`Unlimited powers` On the other hand,Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar strongly defended Punjab Assembly speaker`s constitutional powers to de-seat members. At a ceremony in Lahore, Tarar asserted that the speaker, as the head of the House, possesses `unlimited powers.

`If any member violates oath, then the speaker can suspend that member,` he stated. While acknowledging the opposition`s right to protest, Mr Tarar warned that `vandalism inside the assembly` would not be considered a peaceful demonstration.

Regarding the reference against 26 MPAs, he affirmed that the speaker has the authority to send such references to the chief election commissioner.

The law minister emphasised that while the speaker must remain neutral, he hoped Mr Khan would find a constructive path forward while upholding democratic traditions.