The National Assembly on Thursday suspended Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Iqbal Afridi for the entire budget session after allegations of misconduct with parliamentary staff, the Director General (DG) Media, and police personnel.
The decision was taken following strong remarks from Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, who ordered Afridi’s removal from the House, stating that his behavior had violated parliamentary discipline.
According to the Speaker, the PTI lawmaker allegedly raised his hand against staff members and also behaved rudely with officials inside the Assembly premises. He termed the conduct “unacceptable” and directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort him out of the chamber.
Motion and Disciplinary Action
The suspension was formalized after a motion was presented by ruling party member Farah Naz Akbar, which was approved by a majority vote in the House.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq further announced that Iqbal Afridi would not receive any parliamentary allowances during the suspension period, including TA/DA for the entire budget session.
At one point during the proceedings, the Speaker told Afridi to leave the House voluntarily, warning that security personnel would otherwise remove him forcibly. Afridi subsequently left the chamber.
Quorum Drama Disrupts Proceedings
The session witnessed repeated disruptions due to quorum-related objections raised by Afridi.
Initially, he pointed out the lack of quorum, leading to a count that confirmed insufficient attendance and temporary adjournment of the sitting. However, when proceedings resumed later, the quorum was found complete.
Afridi again raised the issue, but Speaker Sadiq rejected repeated quorum calls, stating that such objections could not be made continuously within short intervals.
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“The quorum cannot be pointed out every half hour,” the Speaker remarked, emphasizing that parliamentary rules must be followed.
Legislative Business and Amendments Passed
Despite the disruptions, the House proceeded with legislative work, including the passage of the Pakistan Telecommunication Re-Organisation (Amendment) Bill 2025, moved by IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
An amendment related to the retirement age of the appellate tribunal judge was also approved after explanation by the federal IT minister. Additionally, PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar proposed further amendments concerning right-of-way disputes for 5G fibre installation and limits on administrative fines, citing concerns over provincial jurisdiction.
Opposition Reaction and Budget Criticism
Outside the Assembly, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar criticized the upcoming federal budget, claiming it would not provide relief to the public and would be based on “unrealistic figures.” He highlighted concerns over inflation and rising utility costs.
He also stated that PTI’s parliamentary party would meet to finalize its strategy and emphasized that ensuring quorum remained the government’s responsibility. According to him, a single day of parliamentary proceedings costs approximately Rs60 million.
The session reflected heightened political tension between the government and opposition, with disciplinary action against a PTI lawmaker and repeated quorum disputes overshadowing legislative proceedings. Despite disruptions, key bills were passed as the budget session continues under close parliamentary scrutiny.
