Player of Kaptaan wins: Asad Qaisar defeats Khurshid Shah
As a matter fact, a highly tight competition was expected between both candidates.
(Web Desk) – “Change” now can be observed in national assembly as Asad Qaiser of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) snatches National Assebly speakership from the members of oldest parties including PML-N and PPP. Asad Qaiser becomes 21st speaker of National Assembly of Pakistan defeating the most senior parliamentarian Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). According to results announced by speaker Ayaz Sadiq, out of total 330 votes, Asad Qaiser got 176 votes and opposition’s nominee Khurshid Shah 146 only.
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Imran Khan casting vote to candidate for National Assembly Speaker; his candidate Asad Qaiser won. PHOTO: APP
Former President Asif Ali Zardari cast vote. He participated in voting to support Khurshid Shah. PHOTO: APP
As a matter fact, a highly tight competition was expected between both candidates. Asad Qaiser was backed by PTI, BAP, BNP and MQM while Khurshid Shah by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan People’s Party, Awami National Party, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Qaumi Watan Party and Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal.
Asad Qaiser has experience of speaker-ship of KP Assembly. PHOTO: APP
“Qaiser is familiar with all parliamentary practices and traditions and has a working relation with opposition parties.”
Asad Qaiser from provincial assembly speaker slot to national one
Asad Qaiser has been 14th Speaker of Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from 30 May 2013 to 13 August 2018. He was re-elected from PK-44 (Swabi-II) in 2018 general election when he defeated Gul Zamin Shah of ANP by bagging 31,658 votes. On the other side, he also won from NA-18 (Swabi-I) by receiving 78,970 votes. He defeated Maulana Fazal Ali Haqqani.
On the direction of his party, he decided to leave provincial assembly’s seat and retained the national assembly one. He was favoured National Assembly Speaker’s slot by senior members of PTI. Former CM KP expressed his opinion about him in the following way. “Qaiser is familiar with all parliamentary practices and traditions and has a working relation with opposition parties.”
“I am the most senior legislator in the assembly; in Naya Pakistan, I should be given a chance to lead the parliament.”
Khursheed Shah, renowned leader, from Sindh
Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, senior leader of PPP, on the other side, remained Opposition Leader in the previous tenure. In 2013 election, he got elected from NA-199, and in 2018 election, he succeeded from NA-206 (Sukkur-1).
Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah is one of leading parliamentarians and Opposition Leader from PPP. PHOTO: FILE
Joint Opposition nominated him for National Assembly Speakership. Khurshid Shah asked PTI to withdraw its candidate for speakership. He added, “I am the most senior legislator in the assembly; in "Naya Pakistan", I should be given a chance to lead the parliament.”
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Overall, the entire procedure of session remained smooth, and the parties supported their candidates to the limit expected. Secrecy was ensured from all sides. Resultantly, Asad Qaiser got nominated by obtaining 176 votes, which PTI had already claimed. Now that speaker of one of the most decisive houses has been opted, the only thing people of Pakistan hope – Instead of settling personal scores – is the discussion and solution of the issues being faced by them.
