The Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) has raised objections regarding the appointment of Ishaq Dar, a member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as the Leader of the House in the Senate. Sources close to PPP Senators revealed their concerns on Sunday, emphasizing that the Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, should have chosen an independent senator for the role instead.
The PPP Senators argued that since Shehbaz Sharif was not the prime minister, the appointment of Ishaq Dar, a prominent figure from the PML-N, raised questions about impartiality in the selection process. Caretaker Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, and Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, had announced on November 20 that PM Kakar had endorsed Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar as Leader of the House and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla as Chief Whip with the status of minister of state.
Addressing concerns raised by Senator Shahadat Awan during the October 30 session regarding the status of leaders of the House and Opposition, and the Chief Whip after the completion of the constitutional tenure of the last government, Minister Solangi clarified that, according to parliamentary traditions, they would continue to perform their responsibilities.
Furthermore, a notification reiterating the appointment of Saleem Mandviwalla as Chief Whip had been reissued, Minister Solangi added. The PPP’s reservations highlight the ongoing political dynamics and the need for a transparent and impartial process in the selection of key roles within the Senate. The situation is likely to spur further discussions and debates within the political landscape of Pakistan.
