Pakistan's newly-elected National Assembly begins maiden session

After weeks of turmoil over the formation of a government in Pakistan following Feb 8 polls, the newly-elected Parliament Thursday held its first session at the summon of caretaker President Arif Alvi.

However, the session began an hour later than it was originally intended and was headed by the outgoing Speaker of the previous Parliament, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

Early on Thursday, Alvi approved a move from the caretaker parliamentary affairs ministry to summon the newly-elected National Assembly’s first session on February 29, according to a statement posted by the president’s X account.

“Subject to some reservations, President Dr Arif Alvi has summoned to convene the National Assembly on February 29 in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 54(1) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” the statement said.

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Subject to some reservations, President Dr Arif Alvi has summoned to convene the National Assembly on 29th February in exercise of the powers conferred by the Article 54(1) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 28, 2024

Pakistan’s constitution mandates that the first meeting of the National Assembly should be convened within 21 days after elections. So, per Article 91, the last date to hold the maiden meeting this year fell on 29 Feb.

In the opening session, Ashraf will administer the oath to the new members and adjourn the session for the next Assembly to elect the new speaker and deputy speaker.

When will Pak have a new PM?

Meanwhile, Pakistan will see a new prime minister on Saturday as the election for the same has been slated for the weekend.

Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Chief Nawaz Sharif has expressed confidence in his younger brother Shahbaz to lead the nation as the prime minister.

“In the current circumstances, Shehbaz Sharif is the best choice,” Nawaz said.

Former PM Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf has fielded Omar Ayub Khan, the grandson of Ayub Khan.