Forty-six newly elected members of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly took oath in Muzaffarabad on Monday. AJK Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar administered the oath during a special session.
The new members represent several political parties following the recent AJK elections. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz secured 31 seats, while Pakistan Peoples Party won 14 seats. Meanwhile, Awami Dasto Bazu secured one seat.
Sajid Abbasi Joins PML-N
Awami Dasto Bazu MLA Sajid Iqbal Abbasi announced his decision to join the PML-N. Consequently, the party’s strength in the AJK Assembly increased to 32 members.
The development further strengthened the PML-N position ahead of key assembly elections. Meanwhile, lawmakers are expected to begin the process of electing the assembly leadership.
Authorities are likely to announce the schedule for the speaker and deputy speaker elections on Monday. The elections are expected to take place on Tuesday, according to reports.
Leader Of House Election Set For Thursday
The assembly will soon begin preparations for the election of the Leader of the House. According to sources, lawmakers will elect the Leader of the House on August 27.
The upcoming elections will determine the political leadership of the newly formed AJK Assembly. Therefore, parties are expected to hold consultations before the voting process.
The oath-taking session marked the formal beginning of the new assembly’s parliamentary proceedings. Furthermore, lawmakers will now focus on establishing the assembly’s leadership and beginning legislative work.
