Sindh Assembly Swears in New Representatives Amid Protests and Controversy
The 16th Sindh Assembly witnessed the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected representatives amidst protests and arrests, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding the post-election period. Despite the political turmoil, lawmakers took their oaths as the assembly convened to mark the beginning of its legislative duties.
Following the February 8 general elections, the Sindh Assembly saw the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerge as the leading party with 84 seats, while the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) secured 28 seats. Additionally, independent candidates, along with representatives from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), and the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), obtained significant electoral mandates.
The assembly session unfolded amidst protests staged by various political parties, including the GDA and the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), alleging electoral irregularities. Parties outside the PPP-MQM-P alliance chose to boycott the proceedings, further intensifying tensions within the assembly.
Outgoing Sindh Assembly speaker Agha Siraj Durrani administered the oath to the newly elected lawmakers, a process marked by delays and interruptions. The session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by lawmakers taking their oaths in Sindhi, Urdu, and English.
During the session, disruptions occurred as PPP supporters chanted slogans, prompting Speaker Durrani to call for order. Controversy arose when Durrani himself took the oath as a lawmaker before proceeding to chair the session, raising procedural questions and adding to the contentious atmosphere.
The assembly session adjourned with elections for the speaker and deputy speaker scheduled for the following day. Meanwhile, protests organized by the JUI-F faced obstacles, with supporters being halted by police at Karachi’s Toll Plaza, underscoring ongoing tensions in the political landscape.
The swearing-in ceremony at the Sindh Assembly unfolded against a backdrop of protests, boycotts, and controversies, reflecting the complexities of post-election dynamics in the region. As the assembly moves forward, challenges and confrontations are expected to shape its legislative agenda, underscoring the need for dialogue and consensus-building among political stakeholders.
