NA secretariat explains why plea to appoint opposition leader can’t be entertained

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Secretariat has conveyed to the opposition that no request for appointment of the Opposition Leader can be entertained unless, the Speaker seeks proposals from the opposition MNAs in this regard.

The National Assembly Secretariat has formally issued a written response to MNA Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar (NA-149) regarding his letter dated October 6 regarding the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition. According to the spokesperson, the response letter draws attention to Rules 39 and 39-B of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, which outline the procedure for the submission of names and the declaration of the Leader of the Opposition. As stipulated under Rule 39(2), the Speaker announces the date, time, and place for MNAs to submit their duly signed proposals for the appointment of Leader of Opposition. The response further conveys that, in line with parliamentary practice, such announcements are made on the floor of the House, allowing all members an equal opportunity to propose a candidate for the position. The spokesperson added that the letter clearly states that since the Speaker has not yet made any announcement regarding the schedule for submitting proposals for the Leader of the Opposition, no request or proposal can be entertained at this stage. The Secretariat will proceed only once the requisite announcement is made by the Speaker in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business 2007.