Govt eyes Senate session before Eid

Newly elected lawmakers likely to take oath on April 9

ISLAMABAD:

The government is planning to convene the Senate session on April 9, the day before Eidul Fitr, when the newly elected lawmakers will take their oaths.

Since March 11, the upper house of parliament has been non-functional following the resignation of 52 senators, including the Senate chairman and deputy chairman.

Elections for the vacant seats were conducted on April 2, with several senators in Punjab and Balochistan being elected unopposed.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) postponed elections at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly due to the non-administration of oaths to a group of provincial lawmakers elected on reserved seats.

The current inactivity in the country's upper house is attributed to the absence of a chairman and deputy chairman. Despite the Senate elections, no session has been convened yet, raising concerns about further delays in the Senate's proceedings.

However, there are reports indicating that the government is considering summoning a Senate session on April 9, with preparations already underway for this purpose.

Sources suggest that the Senate session is likely to be held on April 9, during which the newly elected senators will be sworn in. In this inaugural session, 43 senators are expected to take their oaths.

The PPP has nominated Yousuf Raza Gillani as its candidate for the position of Senate chairman, but the election can only proceed after the newly elected senators have taken their oaths.