Lahore: Proceedings have begun in the Punjab Assembly on disqualification references against 26 suspended opposition members.

According to the spokesperson for the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, the disqualification reference prepared by the assembly officials regarding the 26 members has been received by the Speaker.

The spokesperson stated that the Speaker has decided to give the 26 suspended members an opportunity to present their stance. The hearing on the references will take place on July 11 at 11 AM in the Speaker’s chamber. Under the Constitution, the Speaker is required to decide on disqualification references within 30 days.

The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan, said that the suspended members are being given a chance under Article 10-A of the Constitution, and all members will be provided a full opportunity to defend themselves within the constitutional framework.

It is noteworthy that on June 27, opposition members caused a ruckus and vandalism during a session of the assembly, after which the Speaker suspended the membership of 26 opposition members and announced sending their disqualification references to the Election Commission.