LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has dismissed the impression that he is pursuing the disqualification of certain provincial assembly members by sending references to the Election Commission of Pakistan.

`In recent days, an impression is being created that the speaker is eager to forward (the disqualification) references. However, the fact is that under the Rules of Business and constitutional provisions, the speaker`s role is both limited and clearly defined,` he said, while speaking with journalists hereon Monday.

`There is no ambiguity in Article 63(2) of the Constitution. It clearly states that if a question arises regarding the disqualification of a member, it is the speaker who decides whether such a question has indeed arisen. If the speaker does not make a decision within 30 days, the matter is automatically referred to the Election Commission, he said, citing his constitutional limitations and obligations.

He informed that he has received three applications from treasury MPAs Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, Ahmad Iqbal and Iftikhar Chhachar. He clarified that these are not `references`, but `constitutional applications` that must be decided strictly in accordance with the Constitution.

Referring to a key incident from the past, Speaker Khan recalled that 22 MNAs of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf had approached then National Assembly Speaker SardarAyaz Sadig in 2017, demanding action under Article 63(2) of the Constitution based on a statement by Mian Nawaz Sharif. Even at that time, when the matter was not resolved within 30 days, the Supreme Court took suo motu notice, which was constitutionally controversialsince the apex court does not wield suo motu powers over another organ of state.

Referring to the issue of 26 PTI MPAs, he said he has encouraged both the government and the opposition to resolve matters through dialogue. Discussions were held on five key points, with both sides agreeing that use of foul language, sloganeering, and violations of human rights would be unacceptable in the House, and that section 223 of the rules of procedure of Punjab Assembly must be fully respected.

He said he would accept only an undertaking in black and white from both sides that they would refrain from such behav-iour to ensure a more conducive atmosphere in the House in future.

About the references, he said he was further studying the issue and would give his opinion on whether to forward the `references` to the ECP or not by the end of the 30-day deadline.

The speaker noted that there has never been chaos in the House during a chief minister`s speech in the past parliamentary history. `While the opposition has the constitutional right to protest, it is equally important to uphold parliamentary norms and the sanctity of the House.

He reiterated that he does not believe in character assassination or humiliation of any member, nor will he prevent anyone from speaking. However, mob behaviour, aggressive conduct, and acts such as throwing books are completely unacceptable.

Speaker Khan further shared that the speaker of the Khyber PakhtunkhwaAssembly has sent him a letter regarding the suspension of opposition members, to which a detailed response along with constitutionalinterpretations are beingsent.

`Pll send him the Supreme Court interpretation in the case of Imran Ahmed Niazi vs Mian Nawaz Sharif (that eventually led to the disqualification of the latter).

He mentioned that the KP speaker was seen sitting in a protest of a political party (PTI) that`s unbecoming for the custodian ofan elected house.

Malik Ahmed Khan said another more serious challenge is facing some opposition lawmakers in the form of an application submitted by a woman MPA under the antiharassment law. `The application could not only lead to the disqualification of the MPAs accused of harassment but also blemish their political career for life,` he said without naming those named as harassers in the application.