In a tumultuous session of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, representing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), emerged victorious as the 23rd speaker. The voting, conducted through a secret ballot, saw Ayaz Sadiq securing 199 votes, while his opponent, Aamir Dogar of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), managed 91 votes.
Protests and Controversies
The session, chaired by Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, was marked by protests from supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who alleged rigging in the February 8 elections. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and SIC parties called for an audit of the polls, heightening tensions on the floor.
Drama with MQM-P
Adding to the political drama, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) unexpectedly walked out and boycotted the polling process for the speaker. After negotiations, an agreement was reached between the PML-N and MQM-P, leading to a constitutional amendment to empower local bodies.
Ayaz Sadiq’s Return
Ayaz Sadiq’s election marks his third term as the speaker, with previous tenures from June 2013 to August 2015 and from November 2015 to August 2018. His return to the speaker’s chair comes at a time of heightened political scrutiny and challenges.
Foreigners Allegation and ECP Response
During the session, PTI-backed lawmaker Omar Ayub Khan alleged the presence of foreigners in the house, escalating tensions. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) clarified that the lawmakers present were those declared winners by the ECP after the February 8 elections, rejecting the allegations.
Upcoming Elections and Coalition Dynamics
Attention now shifts to the election of the deputy speaker, where Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Junaid Akbar of the SIC are contesting. Additionally, the election for the prime minister is scheduled for March 3, as the PML-N and PPP forge a coalition government amidst a complex political landscape.
Pending ECP Adjudication
The allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities remains pending adjudication by the ECP. This unresolved matter adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape, emphasizing the challenges faced by the nascent government.
As Sardar Ayaz Sadiq takes the oath as the 23rd speaker, Pakistan’s political arena continues to witness intense dynamics, reflecting the aftermath of the February 8 elections and the complexities of coalition-building in the National Assembly.
