National Assembly Speaker
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emerged victorious in the election for the speaker of the National Assembly, held on Friday amidst protests and opposition uproar.
Sadiq clinched the position after defeating the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed independent lawmaker Malik Aamir Dogar, who had the support of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) members.
A total of 291 votes were cast, with one declared invalid. Sadiq secured 199 votes, gaining a majority from PML-N and PPP members, securing his victory in the lower house. Dogar, his opponent, garnered 91 votes in the contest.
This marks Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s second term as the National Assembly speaker, having previously served in the role from 2013 to 2018. After the results were announced, Sadiq met with Dogar and other SIC lawmakers. He was administered the oath by outgoing Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, following which he assumed charge of the house.
The tumultuous session, marked by protests and disruptions, saw opposition lawmakers chanting slogans against alleged rigging in the February 8 polls. The session began with a parliamentary party meeting by SIC in the lobby, where they expressed their commitment to ongoing protests.
During the proceedings, PTI-backed lawmaker Omar Ayub Khan raised concerns about the presence of foreigners in the house and alleged rigging. This led to a heated exchange, with the speaker emphasizing that the declared winners were those recognized by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
MQM-P unexpectedly walked out but returned after negotiations with PML-N leaders, securing a constitutional amendment in Article 140 to empower local bodies.
Despite protests and boycotts, the election proceeded, and Ayaz Sadiq’s victory concluded the eventful session in the National Assembly.
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