ISLAMABAD: On Thursday, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, the speaker of the Punjab Assembly, submitted a disqualification reference to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against 26 opposition MPAs who support the PTI.
After meeting with ECP authorities in Islamabad, Malik told the media that he had previously submitted the reference and that the purpose of the meeting was to obtain legal counsel on relevant issues.
Days after protests during the Punjab Assembly budget session, when opposition members yelled and interrupted the proceedings, the disqualification reference was made.
The speaker suspended the opposition members for a total of 15 assembly sessions in an order dated June 27, using the authority granted by Rule 210(3) of the Rules of Procedure 1997.
