PML-N finalises Raja Zafarul Haq for Senate chairman

ISLAMABAD: Hours before the scheduled election for chairman and deputy chairman of the Upper House of the Parliament,  the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) announced on Monday to field senator Raja Zafarul Haq for Senate chairman.

Addressing the media, PML-N Information Secretary Mushahidullah Khan said Raja Zafarul Haq and Usman Kakar will contest for Senate chairman and deputy chairman offices, respectively.

The Senate will meet at 4:00 pm today when secret balloting for its chairman and deputy chairman will be held.

Earlier, Presiding Officer Senator Yaqoob Nasir administered the oath to the senators, who secured their respective seats of the upper house after elections held on March 3.

The opposition parties, mainly Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), combined forces to vote for an independent senator from Balochistan for Senate chairman.

A tough contest is expected between nominees of the opposition and ruling parties as the latter claims to have gathered the support of 57 senators in the 104-house to elect its nominee with ease.

A day earlier, PPP announced support for independent senator-elect from Balochistan Sadiq Sanjrani for the coveted post of Senate chairman, turning down PML-N’s proposal to field Raza Rabbani for the top office.

Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo proposed the name of Sanjrani, who also enjoyed the support of Imran Khan-led PTI.