PML-N Faces Quorum Crisis as PPP Withdraws Support in National Assembly

In a surprising turn of events, the National Assembly was abruptly adjourned on Monday due to a lack of quorum, a setback for the ruling PML-N. The absence of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a once-ally, left the government unable to meet the required number of lawmakers in the 336-member house.

PPP's Sharmila Farooqui took to social media to highlight the situation, stating, "No PPP, no quorum, simple." This decision came in light of ongoing tensions regarding alleged rigging in the recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, prompting the PPP to withdraw its support for PML-N in parliamentary matters.

During the Question Hour, only 20 to 25 PML-N members were present, leading to immediate departures of PPP lawmakers. Farooqui indicated that their strategy would remain unchanged until their concerns regarding the AJK elections were addressed, although she refrained from detailing specific demands. The PPP had previously helped maintain quorum in the assembly.

The session saw Speaker Ayaz Sadiq calling for a headcount after a lack of quorum was pointed out by PTI's Iqbal Afridi, resulting in the adjournment until Tuesday.

Earlier in the session, Speaker Sadiq expressed his dismay over the brutal murder of Hina Javed in Rawalpindi, referring the case to a relevant committee. He emphasized the importance of addressing violence against women and pledged support for the investigation, which is currently being handled by the Rawalpindi police.

Source: www.dawn.com