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LAHORE, Dec 29 (APP): Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has said that every action of the Punjab Assembly is governed strictly by the constitution, law and established rules.
Addressing a press conference at the old building of the Punjab Assembly on Monday, he said that the sanctity of the house would not be compromised under any circumstances.
He emphasized that clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) exist regarding entry into the Assembly, guests’ access and security while strict implementation of these SOPs was mandatory.
The speaker said that the leader of the opposition had informed him about the intention of
the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister visit to the Punjab Assembly, which he welcomed and approved in principle.
However, he clarified that submission of a complete list of guests along with valid national identity cards was mandatory for entry into the Assembly, as the Punjab Assembly was a sensitive institution located within the Red Zone. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated that unfortunately, individuals whose names were not included in the guest list were brought to the Assembly and some of them had a past record of involvement in riots, arson and damage to public property.
He said that in such circumstances, law enforcement agencies were compelled to intervene and such conduct could not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan announced that an inquiry committee had been constituted to investigate the incident of violence and disorder in the Punjab Assembly, and its report would be forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further action.
He stated that the first violation occurred at the entry gate of the Assembly, where rules were blatantly breached.
The speaker emphasized that political parties play a vital role in strengthening the federation, however, this requires tolerance, dialogue and strict adherence to the rule of law.
He reiterated that the Punjab Assembly was not an ordinary place where anyone could enter without authorization.
He said, “If anyone has objections to laws, policies or decisions, such matters should be raised within the House.”
He further said that acts of violence, vandalism, abuse and disorder could not be justified as political rights.