LAHORE: The controversy surrounding the suspension of opposition members from the Punjab Assembly has escalated, with Sheikh Imtiaz, a suspended opposition MPA, sending a letter to Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.

The letter requests the withdrawal of Sheikh’s suspension notification and the annulment of four bills passed during the July 28th sitting.

Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan, the Punjab governor and the chief minister.

The letter raises legal and constitutional concerns regarding the July 28th sitting, during which four bills were approved.

Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood claims to have pointed out a lack of quorum during the proceedings, a mandatory requirement under the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure. Instead of halting the proceedings to count the quorum, the acting Speaker allegedly suspended Sheikh Imtiaz, an act he deems illegal and a “flagrant violation” of Articles 19, 19A, and 88 of the Constitution.

Writes letter to speaker demanding annulment of four bills passed amid quorum row; PAC-III concerned at performance of THQ hospitals

The letter asserts that the Speaker’s conduct is “the worst example of dictatorship, contrary to democratic principles.” It further states that continuing the session and passing four bills despite the absence of a quorum is illegal, and therefore, these bills should be declared void. The standard procedure, as outlined in the letter, dictates that if any member points out a lack of quorum, the session must be immediately adjourned and proceedings halted until the quorum is complete. The violation of this principle, it argues, has made the legal standing of the session questionable.

Sheikh Imtiaz vowed to pursue the matter on every available forum to ensure justice.

Meanwhile, the 34th meeting of the Public Accounts Committee-III (PAC-III) of the Punjab Assembly was held with Ahmad Iqbal Chaudhry in the chair.

In line with PAC-III’s directives, similar audit paras from various financial years were consolidated and presented. During the meeting, the committee continued its review of 490 similar audit paras related to Punjab District Health Authorities. Consolidated audit reports for the financial years 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2023-24 were presented to the committee.

The members expressed concerns regarding the performance of THQ hospitals and the health department. Matters concerning the payment of Rs366.327 million in outstanding dues and the non-imposition of Rs59.818m in penalties were discussed. The committee instructed that the outstanding dues be paid and penalties be imposed.

The issue of LP (Local Purchase) medicines worth Rs282.807m in violation of the LP policy was also brought under discussion. The committee ordered action against the officers involved.

The committee directed the health department to adopt principles of good governance and transparency in its operations. Detailed deliberations were also held on procedures to ensure strict adherence to rules and regulations and transparency.

Published in Dawn, Aug 1st, 2025