Sources privy to developments in the PML-N confirmed the party was now manoeuvring to secure the opposition leader’s slot. PHOTO: FILE
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is likely to get the Leader of the Opposition slot in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly.
After political vicissitudes placed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as the ruling party with coalition partners, the coveted slot is yet to go to either the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) or the PML-N.
However, with JUI-F leader Akram Khan Durrani opting to avail his National Assembly seat in the centre, the party is in a weaker position as far as securing the opposition leader position is concerned. The PML-N, currently led by Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan as its parliamentary leader in the provincial assembly, stands a far better chance.
In Durrani’s absence, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman’s younger brother Lutufur Rahman will lead the party as its parliamentary leader in the K-P Assembly.
According to a political analyst requesting anonymity, Lutuf would definitely wish to secure the opposition leader’s post. However, he does not have the political stature to match Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan.
Moreover, the developing scenario has also tilted in favour of the PML-N as, currently, the JUI-F has 16 members in the provincial assembly against the former’s 17.
Around two week ago, the PML-N did not seem interested in lobbying for the position as the JUI-F was emerging as a strong contender with 13 against the former’s 12. However, after Durrani opted to sit in the National Assembly, both parties were evenly matched at 12 seats in the provincial assembly. The PML-N later gained the edge with an independent member joining the party.
Now, after both parties have secured three seats reserved for women and one minority seat each, the PML-N has come out as the leading opposition party with 17 provincial assembly members compared to the JUI-F’s 16.
When contacted, PML-N Provincial General Secretary Rahmat Salam Khattak expressed optimism. “Hopefully, Mehtab Ahmad Khan is going to be the Leader of the Opposition in the K-P Assembly. Although the JUI-F has not yet made contact in this regard, there will be a consensus on Mehtab Ahmad’s name.”
Sources privy to developments in the PML-N confirmed the party was now manoeuvring to secure the opposition leader’s slot.
“Even PTI, the leading coalition partner in the K-P Assembly, has been requested by the PML-N’s leadership to support its candidate for the post,” said an insider.
It was further learnt though the PML-N is expecting the JUI-F to honour its position in the assembly and agree to Mehtab’s nomination, in case there is any disagreement between the two, the Awami National Party and Pakistan Peoples Party – each with their four assembly members – will be inclined to support the PML-N on the opposition benches.
According to parliamentary procedure, the assembly speaker will ask the opposition benches to submit a name for the opposition leader’s slot. Following this, the opposition parties will come to a consensus and submit a name. In case there is no consensus, the speaker has the discretion to name a person for the post after evaluating the developing scenario himself.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 31st, 2013.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ