In a significant development, the Punjab Assembly has reinstated 26 suspended opposition members from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), allowing them to resume their legislative duties with immediate effect. Acting Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Chanar issued the formal notification on Tuesday, signaling an end to the deadlock that followed their suspension during the recent budget session.

The lawmakers were previously suspended by Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan for creating disruptions on the assembly floor. At the time, the Speaker had also indicated that a reference would be filed against them with the Election Commission of Pakistan. However, behind-the-scenes negotiations between the ruling government and opposition representatives paved the way for their reinstatement.

The decision, welcomed by both sides of the aisle, is seen as a move toward restoring normalcy and parliamentary decorum. Acting Speaker Chanar directed that the returning members be granted full access to assembly proceedings so they could resume representing their constituencies effectively.

Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman commented on the reinstatement, stating that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz supported the decision, believing that “an assembly without its opposition is incomplete.” He emphasized the importance of the opposition’s role in ensuring robust democratic debate and governance.

As the reinstated members entered the House, they were met with applause from treasury benches, signaling a more cooperative tone moving forward. Ali Raza, a member of the Panel of Chairpersons, also welcomed them back, reinforcing the significance of their participation in legislative affairs.

The reinstatement is viewed as a positive step in rebalancing the political atmosphere in the Punjab Assembly and fostering greater parliamentary engagement.