National Assembly’s members take oath

The newly-elected members of Pakistan National Assembly Saturday took the oath, following the May 11 general elections.

The first session of the National Assembly or Lower House of the parliament marked the first phase of transition of power to the newly-elected people’s representatives at the center and four provinces.

The Speaker of the outgoing National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza administered the oath to the new members. Ms Mirza, who is also elected member of the National Assembly, congratulated the new members in her brief remarks.

State and private TV channels aired live the oath-taking ceremony. The visitors’ galleries were full of the guests.

The 342-meemer National Assembly is expected to elect new Speaker and Deputy Speaker on Monday.

The house will elect Prime Minister Leader of the House on June 5.

All parties held parliamentary party meetings before the session and discussed strategy.

Prime Minister-in-waiting Nawaz Sharif presided over the meeting of his Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N). Mr Shrif, who has served as Prime Minister, will lead Pakistan for the third time.

The outgoing ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and Mutahida Qaumi Movement also held separate meetings.

The PTI chief, Imran Khan, could not attend the first session as doctors have advised him more rest. Khan was injured after falling off a lifter during the election campaign.

The PPP, PTI and MQM have decided to sit on the opposition benches.  JUI-F is holding talks with the PML-N for a possible coalition.

The opposition parties will discuss appointment of a consensus leader of the opposition and a PPP leader Syed Khurshid Shah says that he will hold talks with other opposition groups for a strong opposition.

Some senior political leaders have been elected members of the National Assembly. They include Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, former railways minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, former prime minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali and Pakistan Muslim League-Zia leader Ijazul Haq.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=40435

Posted by Tahir Khan on Jun 1 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.