PML-N’s Maryam Nawaz Begins Parliamentary Journey
In a significant political event, outgoing Speaker Sibtain Khan administered the oath to the newly-elected members of the Punjab Assembly, ushering in a new era of parliamentary politics with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief minister nominee Maryam Nawaz at the forefront.
The assembly session, which began after a delay of over two hours, saw a charged atmosphere as members from various parties engaged in heated exchanges and slogans. Among them were representatives from PML-N, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
As the session unfolded, PML-N’s Malik Ahmed Khan and Zaheer Iqbal Chunar submitted their nominations for the posts of speaker and deputy speaker, respectively. Similarly, SIC’s Ahmed Khan Bhachar and Moin Riaz Qureshi also filed their candidacy papers.
However, the proceedings were not without contention. SIC members raised concerns over access to the assembly, asserting the need for resolution before further discussions could proceed.
Addressing the media, Speaker Sibtain emphasized the importance of allowing all elected representatives to participate in the assembly session, acknowledging disparities in access that needed to be addressed.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) raised allegations of police interference in the oath-taking process and expressed concerns over the presence of their CM candidate Aslam Iqbal. Despite challenges, Iqbal affirmed his intention to participate in the session.
Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman formally convened the assembly meeting, setting the stage for critical decisions in the days ahead.
With the PML-N emerging as the largest party in the Punjab Assembly, plans to form the government with Maryam Nawaz as its leader signify a significant political development in the region.
The swearing-in ceremony of new members marks the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab’s political landscape, with Maryam Nawaz’s entry into parliamentary politics poised to bring about notable shifts in governance and policymaking. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.