ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani has been elected as the Senate chairman, while PML-N’s Syedal Khan Nasir secured the position of deputy chairman during today’s session at the Upper House of the Parliament.
The proceedings were not without controversy, as PTI lawmakers staged a protest, expressing their disagreement with the timing of the session. Senator Ali Zafar voiced PTI’s concerns, advocating for the postponement of the session until after the Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Consequently, PTI representatives abstained from participating in the election process for the Senate’s top positions.
This session marked a crucial moment following the recent elections held in Islamabad, Punjab, and Sindh. Notably, Senate polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were delayed, sparking a dispute over the allocation of seats. Despite these challenges, the ruling coalition, led by the PML-N, emerged victorious in the elections, further solidifying its hold on the Senate.
The absence of opposition presence paved the way for the ruling alliance to secure the coveted positions, with Gillani and Nasir expected to assume their roles officially later in the day.
However, the appointment of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as the presiding officer drew objections from PTI Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, who argued that the presiding officer should be an incumbent Senator.