Yousuf Raza Gillani Chosen As Senate Chairman

According to a report by Dawn on Tuesday, Yousaf Raza Gillani, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Syedal Khan Nasir, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), secured the positions of Senate chairman and deputy chairman, respectively. Senate Secretary Qasim Samad Khan confirmed their election to these top roles in the upper house of Pakistan’s parliament.

A total of 41 newly elected Senators took oath as members of the House during a session of Pakistan’s Senate on Tuesday, amid protests by leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The senators also signed the roll of members in the upper house of Pakistan’s Parliament. PTI Senator Ali Zafar, speaking on the floor of the House, advocated for postponing the session to elect the chairperson and deputy chairperson until the Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are conducted, stating that PTI would not partake in the election process.

Earlier in March, Pakistan’s upper house faced dysfunctionality following the retirement of half of its members. Elections were conducted earlier this month in Islamabad, Punjab, and Sindh.

However, Senate polls were not conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is governed by PTI. The delay ensued due to the refusal of Babar Swati, the provincial assembly Speaker, to administer the oath to opposition lawmakers on reserved seats, as reported by Dawn. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition emerged victorious in the Senate elections, securing 19 seats.

As per Dawn’s report, the ruling coalition at the center now commands 59 out of the 85 seats. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who won a technocrat seat from Islamabad on April 2, is presiding over the first session of the Senate, as reported by Dawn. PTI Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand raised objections to Dar presiding over the Senate session, asserting that the presiding officer should be a current Senator.

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