Role of the Speaker

Purpose and Scope

This handbook is written for students, public officials, professionals, journalists and general readers. It explains the office in clear language while retaining the principal constitutional and parliamentary rules. The discussion concerns Provincial Assemblies in Pakistan and uses the Constitution of Pakistan and the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab as its main sources.

Introduction

The Speaker is the principal presiding officer of a Provincial Assembly. The office exists to make collective decision-making possible. The Speaker calls sittings to order, recognises members, regulates debate, applies the Rules of Procedure, puts questions to the House and announces decisions. The Speaker does not govern the Province and does not make laws alone.

Constitutional Position

The constitutional foundation is found principally in Articles 104, 108, 115 and 127 of the Constitution of Pakistan. Article 108 requires a Provincial Assembly, after a general election, to elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker from among its members before conducting other business. Article 127 applies important National Assembly provisions to Provincial Assemblies with the necessary substitutions, including provisions on oath, absence, resignation, removal, voting, quorum, requisitioned sessions, privileges, rules, the Secretariat and the Finance Committee.

Election, Oath and Entry into Office

1. 1Members take their oath
2. 2Speaker is elected by secret ballot
3. 3Speaker takes the prescribed oath
4. 4Deputy Speaker is elected
5. 5Speaker assumes the authority of the Chair

The oath requires the Speaker to discharge the office honestly, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution, law and Rules of the Assembly. It also requires the office-holder to act without fear, favour, affection or ill will and to protect the Constitution.

Neutrality, Fairness and Authority of the Chair

• Honesty and faithfulness
• Compliance with the Constitution and law
• Acting without fear, favour, affection or ill will
• Equal application of rules
• Fair opportunity for government and opposition
• Protection of minority participation
• Protection of the majority's right to decide
• Separation of personal preference from parliamentary authority