Pakistan’s newly-elected lawmakers took their oaths on Thursday amidst tumultuous scenes in Parliament’s inaugural session. Supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan protested vigorously, alleging extensive vote rigging during the elections. The National Assembly convened after initial hesitations from President Dr. Arif Alvi due to disagreements with the caretaker government regarding the allocation of seats for Khan’s party-backed candidates.
Election Proceedings and Prime Ministerial Candidates
The 16th Parliament’s opening session, led by outgoing Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, commenced after an hour’s delay. Ashraf administered the oath to the lawmakers, amid disruptions caused by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters decrying alleged vote manipulation. The notification from the National Assembly Secretariat outlined the process for electing the next Prime Minister, scheduled for Sunday. Shehbaz Sharif, backed by the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and other parties, stands as a candidate against PTI’s nominee Omar Ayub Khan.
Ongoing Seat Allocation and Swearing-in
Outgoing speaker Ashraf administered the oath to 302 members out of 336 total, as the Election Commission of Pakistan had yet to decide on reserved seats for the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), swelling its ranks after PTI-backed independent members joined. Notable figures sworn in included Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Gohar Ali Khan, and Omar Ayub Khan. After swearing-in, lawmakers officially became members by signing the National Assembly register.
PTI’s Assertion and Speaker’s Response
PTI Chief Gohar Khan expressed gratitude for supporters’ perseverance despite obstacles. He highlighted the nation’s rejection of ‘slavery’ and reiterated support for Imran Khan. Khan urged the speaker to halt elections for speaker and deputy speaker until PTI-backed reserved seat members were sworn in. The speaker, acknowledging the incomplete allocation of seats, adjourned the session and scheduled speaker and deputy speaker elections for the following day.
Tensions and Political Dynamics
The session’s atmosphere was charged as PTI and PML-N members exchanged slogans and displays. PTI members chanted in support of Imran Khan, while PML-N supporters welcomed the Sharif brothers back to Parliament. References to ongoing corruption cases and alliances formed post-election underscored the political tension. PTI-backed independents winning a majority and subsequent coalition-building efforts by PML-N and PPP could shape Pakistan’s political landscape.
Election Commission Proceedings and Khan’s Challenges
The Election Commission commenced hearings on seat allocation appeals amidst a contested electoral landscape. PTI-backed independents secured a significant number of seats, challenging traditional party dominance. Khan’s party’s rejection of coalition attempts by rival parties indicates impending political turmoil. With PTI contesting the election results, Pakistan braces for a period of uncertainty and potential instability.
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