Malik Ahmad Khan says this initiative is aimed at equipping youth with practical parliamentary training and fostering their engagement with national institutions
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-June 27th, 2025) Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan, while addressing an important press conference on Friday, made an extraordinary and exemplary announcement regarding maintaining discipline in the House, upholding democratic values, and relinquishing his official perks.
On this occasion, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated that he is dedicating all salary and privileges received in his capacity as Speaker to the benefit of students undertaking internships in the Assembly. "Whatever perks and benefits I receive from the Assembly, I am donating them for the interns," he declared. "These students will be paid for their internships from my salary and allowances. As long as I hold this position, this practice will continue."
The Speaker emphasized that this initiative is aimed at equipping the youth with practical parliamentary training and fostering their engagement with national institutions.
Expressing regret over the recent unruly incidents in the House, including those that occurred the previous day, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan made it clear that if such disruptions continue during the session, he will not hesitate to take action under Rule 223. He added, “Banning someone from the session is not a punishment, but if disorder occurs during public hearings, it will be deemed a breach of the House’s privilege and formal proceedings will be initiated accordingly.”
He underscored the importance of maintaining decorum and upholding the dignity of the House. “I have always strived to provide every member with the opportunity to speak, as this is the essence and beauty of democracy and parliamentary proceedings. This House functions under a code of conduct that we have collectively agreed upon. If one member is speaking and another interrupts, the rules of the Assembly—not chaos or disorder—should dictate the response.”
The Speaker also expressed strong displeasure over the behavior of opposition members during the budget session, including tearing and throwing documents and interrupting the Finance Minister’s speech. He remarked, “The budget speech is a serious matter. It involves decisions about salaries, funds, and policy direction. Disorderly conduct during such proceedings is not a constitutional right. While I have always ensured that the opposition has the opportunity to express itself, undermining the discipline of the House cannot be tolerated.”
