LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution, praising Pakistan’s successful efforts in brokering a peace agreement between the United States and Iran.

The resolution, moved by Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, received full backing from all members who were present.

According to the resolution, Pakistan demonstrated outstanding diplomacy during the intense US-Iran conflict, successfully mitigating a highly volatile situation. By facilitating this peaceful agreement, Pakistan saved the international community from immense financial and human losses that a potential conflict would have caused. The resolution noted that this landmark achievement has elevated Pakistan’s global honour, stature and prestige.

It paid rich tributes to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their role in steering this peace process. The text concluded by stating that the international community was also openly acknowledging Pakistan’s political wisdom, strategic foresight and commitment to global harmony, marking a significant milestone for the country’s foreign policy.

PRIVILEGE MOTIONS: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has revealed that more than 70 privilege motions, submitted by both government and opposition members, are currently pending before him and the number is continuously rising.

Addressing the House on Tuesday, the speaker noted that he had only reviewed the privilege motions of a single department so far, warning that taking up all these motions immediately would consume a significant amount of time of the House. He termed the budget session the most crucial parliamentary phase of the year, saying that his priority was ensuring that all members were given a full opportunity to express their views on the budget.

The speaker assured the House that all admissible privilege motions would be forwarded to their respective forums, adding that, if necessary, proceedings on these motions would be conducted during extra hours, with every effort made to dispose of them during the current session.

Expressing concern at political interference, abuse of authority and misuse of uniform, the speaker declared himself an advocate for parliamentary oversight, which he described as a fundamental component of the democratic system.

In an emotional remark, he vowed to vacate his chair if he failed to fulfill the spirit of the Constitution or uphold the right to parliamentary oversight, asserting that he would rather step down than compromise on his principles.

Regarding the opposition, the speaker confirmed that he had received letters from their members and promised that a detailed discussion on the matter would take place after the budget session.

Earlier, a dialogue took place between Punjab Minister for Local Government, Zeeshan Rafique, and the speaker regarding assembly rules and accountability to the House.

Defending the Suthra Punjab project, Minister Rafique stated that if the speaker and opposition members visited the Suthra Punjab head office and control room, they would see firsthand how the project is being monitored. On this, Speaker Khan passed stern remarks, advising ministers to study the assembly rules, noting that if a question is asked in the House, the minister is bound to answer.

He stated, “Correct your mindset; you are accountable to the House.” He further added that the same issue exists with government officials, as no one has bothered to try and read the assembly laws. “It seems I will have to teach the assembly laws to the cabinet,” he remarked.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2026