The 16th National Assembly saw newly elected members sworn in, with pro-Imran Khan slogans causing disruptions. Outgoing NA Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf administered the oath to the MNAs-elect, including prominent politicians like Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Three Senate members resigned to join the National Assembly, while PTI leaders, some under the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) banner, were also sworn in.
The session marked Nawaz’s return to Parliament after seven years, amidst pro-Imran Khan chants and slogans. Sloganeering continued post-oath-taking, with PML-N and SIC members exchanging chants. The session also highlighted a need for national reconciliation as government and opposition members vowed to work together.
The upcoming days will see elections for speaker, deputy speaker, and prime minister, with Shehbaz Sharif being the joint candidate for PM against Omar Ayub. PTI-backed candidates will contest various positions as alliances are formed among different political parties in the National Assembly.
President Alvi initially refused to call a session, but later relented, leading to the swearing in of newly elected members in a session marked by disruptions. Security concerns led to the cancellation of VIP invitation cards, as the NA prepares to carry out important legislative functions in the coming days.