ISLAMABAD: The newly elected MNAs were sworn in by incumbent Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza in the inaugural session of 14th National Assembly in Islamabad on Saturday.
Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Nawaz Sharif‚ who is sure to become the Prime Minister‚ was amongst those who took as Member of the National Assembly.
The swearing-in officially marked the first transition of power between democratically-elected governments in the 66-year history of the country.
The swearing-in ceremony will be followed by signing the ‘Roll of Members’.
The signing will take up to three hours after which the house will be adjourned until Monday for the election of the new speaker and deputy speaker.
The oath-taking comes days after the historic May 11 elections in which the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) led by former premier Nawaz Sharif emerged victorious.
Nomination papers for speaker and deputy speaker are to be submitted to the NA secretary by 12 noon on Sunday. The election will be held by secret ballot on Monday.
The House will elect Leader of the House on Wednesday through division. The new Prime Minister is expected to take oath of his office the same day.
The PML-N has secured absolute majority in the house of 342. So far‚ the Election Commission has announced results of 322 seats and the strength of PML-N currently stands at 176. Its tally would improve to 185 when the Election Commission notifies results of nine candidates of the party against reserved seats for women.
The National Peoples Party‚ which secured three seats in the National Assembly‚ has already announced its merger with PML-N and with this in view the strength of the party would stand at 188 in the house.
Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) is the second largest party in the National Assembly with 39 seats‚ followed by PTI 35 and MQM 23. JUI(F) has 14 seats‚ PML(F) 6‚ PMAP and JI four each‚ NPP three‚ Pakistan Muslim League two and ANP‚ BNP‚ Qaumi Watan Party (Sherpao)‚ PML-Z‚ NP‚ Awami Muslim League‚ All Pakistan Muslim League‚ Awami Jamhoori Ittehad Pakistan one each.
There are also eight independents in the house.
Security arrangements
Stringent security arrangements were made for today’s inaugural session of National Assembly in the wake of May 11 general elections.
At least 500 personnel of security forces including police, rangers and Frontier Corps stood guard around the Parliament House for the security of the public representatives.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan were not able to attend the session owing to his health.
Red carpet was put in place at the Parliament’s entrance.
Private security guards and weapons were prohibited on the occasion. The newly elected members were transported to the assembly from the Parliament lodges via shuttle service.
DND
