Dar appointed leader of the house in Senate

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was appointed as leader of the House in the Senate on Tuesday, according to a notification issued by the Senate Secretariat.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), appointed Dar to the post.

“Dar will act as leader of the House on behalf of the prime minister to represent government and to regulate government business in the Senate with effect from April 9, 2024,” said the notification.

Earlier in the day, Dar acted as the presiding officer during a Senate session which saw 41 newly elected senators being sworn in as members of the Upper House of Parliament.

Read more: PPP's Gillani secures Senate chairman slot uncontested

PPP's Yousuf Raza Gilani was elected unopposed to the coveted slot of Senate chairman whereas PML-N's Sardar Syedal Khan Nasir was elected the deputy chairman.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated and conveyed his best wishes to Gilani and Nasir. The premier noted that elections of the Senate chairman and deputy chairman are a continuation of the democratic process.

“It is hoped that you will play your role for the upliftment of the Constitution and the development of the country,” PM Shehbaz added.

The PM also expressed hope for the active participation of the newly elected chairman and deputy chairman in crafting impactful legislation to promote public welfare and foster national progress and prosperity.

He also emphasised the significance of the Senate in bolstering federal units and upholding democratic principles.