## Pakistan's National Assembly Suspends Two Lawmakers for Disruptive Behavior
On April 20, 2023, the National Assembly of Pakistan suspended two lawmakers, Jamshed Ahmad Khan Dasti and Muhammad Iqbal Khan, for the current session. The suspension came after the two members, belonging to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), disrupted the joint session of parliament with abusive language and unruly behavior during President Asif Ali Zardari's address.
The incident occurred on Thursday, April 19, during the first joint session of parliament following the February 8 elections. The PTI-SIC lawmakers protested and created a ruckus, blowing whistles and trumpets, displaying banners and placards, and chanting objectionable slogans. This behavior was deemed unacceptable and violated the sanctity of the house and the rules of conduct.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq read a motion on Friday suspending the two members for their disruptive behavior. The motion cited Rule 21 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly and Rule 33 of the Parliament Joint Sitting Rules 1973.
The suspended member, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, defended the opposition's protest, claiming it was just the beginning and they would continue to fight for the supremacy of the Constitution and the law. He also stated that the opposition would not recognize President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as legitimate.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the opposition's behavior, calling it "unparliamentary" and stating that the PPP would welcome criticism within the parliamentary sphere.
The suspension of the two lawmakers highlights the ongoing political tensions in Pakistan and the challenges faced in maintaining decorum and order during parliamentary proceedings.