ISLAMABAD: In a session marked by protests from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Saidal Nasir Khan were elected unopposed as the Senate chairman and deputy chairman respectively.
The PTI members objected to the election process, citing the absence of senators from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as unconstitutional. They demanded the adjournment of the house until senators from KP were duly elected and present. PTI leader Senator Ali Zafar argued that the election would be illegal until the house was complete as per Article 59 of the Constitution, which requires 96 members for the election of the chairman.
In response, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeem Tarar defended the election process, explaining that Article 60 of the Constitution allows for the election of Senate chairman and deputy chairman as soon as these positions are vacated. He attributed the delay in Senate polls in KP to the failure of the KP government to administer the oath to MPs elected on reserved seats, as directed by the Peshawar High Court.
Despite objections from PTI members, the presiding officer, Senator Ishaq Dar, overruled the objections following legal explanations from the law minister. He ruled in favor of proceeding with the election process based on the constitutional provisions cited by the law minister.
After taking oath as the Senate chairman, Yusuf Raza Gilani delivered a speech expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Senate. He emphasized the Senate’s role in representing the unity and strength of Pakistan. Gilani also recalled the historical injustices faced by former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, highlighting the recent acknowledgment by the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding Bhutto’s case.
Gilani’s speech underscored the significance of the Senate as a symbol of national unity and diversity. He expressed thanks to his party, leadership, and allies for their support, acknowledging the senators’ role in upholding the federation’s values and principles.
