ISLAMABAD: In a dramatic escalation inside the National Assembly, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday suspended Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Iqbal Afridi’s membership for the remainder of the ongoing budget session after he repeatedly “disrupted” House proceedings by challenging quorum.
The suspension followed the passage of a motion citing Afridi’s “repeated misconduct towards assembly staff, the director-general of media, and police personnel, as well as his deliberate disruption of House proceedings through incessant challenges to quorum.”
The motion, moved by Farah Naz Akbar, was approved by a majority of members. Following the House’s endorsement, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq directed the sergeant-at-arms to escort Afridi out of the chamber.
“Leave the House yourself […] if you do not, security personnel will remove you forcibly,” Sadiq warned Afridi, who ultimately complied.
The suspension drew protests from PTI MPs, who described it as politically motivated, while government members said it was necessary to restore order in a session already marked by procedural clashes.
Adding fuel to the fire, Minister of State for the Interior Talal Chaudhry informed the House of reports that Afridi’s son had sought political asylum in Italy while travelling on a blue passport.
The Speaker referred the matter to the Standing Committee on the Interior for further investigation and reporting back to the House.
Afridi is barred from entering Parliament House or its precincts for the remainder of the session.
Speaker Sadiq said Afridi’s conduct towards DG Media and security personnel “undermines the dignity and sanctity of the House” and cannot be ignored.
He detailed that Afridi had repeatedly used abusive language towards National Assembly Secretariat officials and acted in ways inconsistent with parliamentary norms.
Afridi had also been involved in an altercation with police at a checkpoint near Serena Hotel.
“Threatening behaviour and misuse of authority by any MP cannot be tolerated,” the Speaker said, adding that Afridi would forfeit all allowances, including travel and daily allowances, during the suspension.
Thursday’s session began under tense circumstances, with Afridi immediately raising a point on quorum.
The count revealed the House lacked the required number of members, prompting a temporary adjournment. When proceedings resumed, he again challenged quorum, drawing a rebuke from the Speaker.
Barrister Gohar, a PTI MNA, attempted to seek the floor, but the Speaker reminded members that Afridi would not be shown leniency.
Meanwhile, speaking on a point of order, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif urged all parties to respect Parliament and ensure the smooth functioning of democratic institutions, saying political disputes should not weaken the legislature.
He criticised PTI for linking its participation to the imprisonment of its leader, adding that institutions and the country are more important than individuals.
Asif emphasised that legislation is Parliament’s core duty and urged MPs to keep protests within democratic limits.
Turning to the Kashmir issue and the voting rights of Kashmiri refugees, he said that both Pakistanis and Kashmiris had made great sacrifices for the cause.
He said the issue was not only that of Kashmiris but a national cause involving the entire nation.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmir cause, he said thousands of security personnel continued to protect the country’s borders and that Pakistan would continue to support Kashmir for generations, recalling Jinnah’s description of Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein.”
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry called on the opposition to act responsibly, warning of strict action, including possible bans and legal proceedings against obstructing members.
On former prime minister Imran Khan’s medical care, he said it is being provided according to rules.
Chaudhry also stressed constructive opposition input during the budget process and criticised the use of parliamentary proceedings for social media.
On the AJK protests, he highlighted dialogue, reserved refugee seats, and the need to prevent extremism, reaffirming commitment to peaceful solutions.
Other MPs and the Speaker condemned remarks seen as undermining national unity, rejected divisive rhetoric, and called for a focus on security challenges, particularly in Balochistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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