The second round of negotiations between the Punjab government and the opposition over the reinstatement of 26 suspended members of the provincial assembly concluded on Sunday without any resolution, though both sides agreed to continue dialogue in the coming days.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the government and opposition failed to reach a consensus regarding the suspension of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, whose membership remains inactive following a heated session last month.
The lawmakers were suspended by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan after opposition benches disrupted Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speech on June 27. The session descended into chaos as treasury and opposition members engaged in a physical altercation, despite repeated appeals by the Speaker to restore order.
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The ongoing impasse follows an earlier consultative meeting between the Speaker and the suspended MPAs, during which disqualification references filed against the members were also discussed.
To resolve the standoff, Speaker Khan formed an eight-member negotiation committee, comprising Chief Whip Rana Arshad, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Khawaja Salman Rafique, Samiullah Khan, and Ahmad Iqbal. Additional representation was included from allied parties: Ali Haider Gillani (PPP), Chaudhry Shafay Hussain (PML-Q), and Shoaib Siddiqui (IPP).
Despite no significant progress in the second round of talks, both sides signaled readiness to engage further.
Leader of the Opposition Malik Ahmad Khan Bachhar said discussions were ongoing and that more meetings were scheduled. “This was our second meeting, and there was agreement on continuing the talks. Consultations are underway regarding the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure,” he told reporters.
Bachhar emphasized the need for party-level consultation, noting that such complex issues could not be resolved in a single sitting. “We are two distinct political entities. The Speaker has urged adherence to the rules, and once consensus is reached, it will be communicated to all stakeholders,” he added.
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Speaking to the media after the meeting, government representatives described the atmosphere as constructive. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman stated that the sanctity of the Assembly was paramount and that the opposition had acknowledged the importance of preserving its dignity. “One or two more meetings may be required, but we are hopeful of a dignified resolution,” he said.
He clarified that the government was not seeking to de-seat the suspended lawmakers but was merely asking for observance of Assembly decorum. “They are elected representatives. Our objective is not punitive but to ensure the House functions within its prescribed rules,” Shuja-ur-Rehman added.
