REFORM AND RENEWAL AT THE PUNJAB PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY
AN INCLUSIVE ASSEMBLY: THE PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF PUNJAB IN PAKISTAN At heart of reforms is recognition that Committees must be empowered to hold government accountable.
Around the world, strong Parliaments form the foundation of effective democracies and are the cornerstone of good governance. As the Provincial Assembly of Punjab in Pakistan embarks on a new chapter in its legislative history, we have embraced a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at transforming our Assembly into a model of inclusivity, transparency and accountability. These reforms are not only a significant achievement in modernising our parliamentary procedures, but also a bold expression of our vision for a more inclusive and democratic Punjab. As Speaker, my goal is to ensure that the Assembly plays its proper role in promoting good governance, where the voices of the people are heard, their concerns addressed and their government held accountable. In response to a long-standing demand from both the government and the opposition, and with the unwavering support of the Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, we initiated a historic revision of the Punjab Assembly’s Rules of Procedure. These amendments bring the Punjab Assembly in line with the best practices of the Pakistan National Assembly and the Senate, where parliamentary rules have evolved to reflect efficiency, transparency and inclusiveness. The mandate given by the assembly in April 2024 empowered us to modernize our legislative framework, ensuring that Punjab plays its role in strengthening Pakistan’s parliamentary democracy. At the heart of these reforms is the recognition that our Committees – the backbone of parliamentary oversight – must be empowered to hold the government accountable. By devolving the powers of the Speaker and granting Committees greater independence, we have aligned ourselves with global parliamentary standards. This shift enhances the Assembly’s responsiveness, allowing Committees to address matters of public importance directly, without bureaucratic delays. A key pillar of these reforms is the enhancement of women’s representation within the legislative process. Recognising the
critical role women play in governance, we have made it mandatory for every Standing Committee to include at least two women Members. This ensures that women’s voices are heard across all sectors of government, shaping policies that affect the entire Province. We have also established a bipartisan Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, a move that strengthens the platform for women’s participation in lawmaking. Furthermore, the formation of a Parliamentary Minority Caucus – the first of its kind in any legislative house in Pakistan – demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that all voices, regardless of background, are represented. The empowerment of Punjab Assembly Committees stands as a cornerstone of these reforms. We have expanded the membership of Standing Committees from 11 to 15, allowing for broader representation and deeper engagement. Committees are now empowered to address matters of public importance independently, without seeking the prior approval of the Speaker. This not only enhances their autonomy but also ensures timely and effective oversight of government actions. The Committees have also been authorised to hold open sittings, invite expert testimony and engage in public hearings – innovations designed to bring greater transparency to the legislative process. The Law Reforms and Delegated Legislation Committee has been restructured to systematically review the implementation of the 18th Amendment and its implications for Provincial autonomy and governance. The Committee’s expanded mandate includes conducting Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS), ensuring that laws are not only implemented effectively but also updated to reflect contemporary governance challenges. This scrutiny will pay special attention to cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and minority rights, ensuring that Punjab’s legal frameworks are inclusive and just.
Hon. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, MPA is the Speaker of the Provincial
Assembly of Punjab in Pakistan since February 2024. His political career includes serving as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for four consecutive terms, representing his constituency in Kasur. He has held positions such as Parliamentary Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information and Culture. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance, building upon a family legacy of public service as his father, Malik Muhammad Ali Khan, served as a Member of the Punjab Assembly and as Deputy Chairman of the Pakistan Senate.
314 | The Parliamentarian | 2024: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing