Amraiz Khan Lahore
Even after major setback in Senate elections, ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) individually is still at the top of all rival parties with 26 seats in the Upper House.
However, the Opposition parties with 53 votes have lead over PTI and its allies which have 47 votes.
According to the fresh polls in Senate, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has emerged as the second strong party with 20 seats, PML-N as third position with 18 seats while Balochistan Awami Party is the fourth political force in the Upper House with 12 seats.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had already announced Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani as the PDM’s candidate for the slot of Senate Chairmanship.
On other hand, the ruling PTI has also nominated Sadiq Sanjrani as candidate for the same slot.
According to the political analysts, a very tough competition is expected between Yousaf Raza Gillani and ruling PTI-backed Sadiq Sanjrani.
However, the opposition’s PDM has gained an upper hand in the 100-member upper house of the parliament as the number of members of the opposition alliance rose to 53, thus opposition alliance has secured a six member lead over incumbent ruling coalition.
Hence, PDM’s candidate Yousaf Raza Gillani has more chance to become Senate chairman.
PDM members include 20 from the PPP, 18 from the PML-N, five from the JUI-F, three from BNP-Mengal, two each from ANP, PkMAP and National Party and one independent.
There are six independent candidates from various from different parts including four from FATA and two from Balochistan.
Two other independent candidates from Balochistan are there including Abdul Qadir and the second Nasima Rehman who could play role for the ruling party.
JUI-I have five candidates including two candidates from Balochistan and it is of course leading Opposition’s movement against ruling PTI.
In Punjab, PML-Q has one Senator Kamil Ali Agha and PML-N has five senators from Punjab while rests of the votes are of PTI.
According to the sources, Punjab Chief Minister and Punjab Governor both have been summoned by Prime Minister Imran Khan for important ahead of polls for Senate Chariman.
The meeting is expected tonight or by tomorrow but it will be before the election of Senate chairman.
On other hand, session has been summoned by Prime Minister Imran Khan for vote of confidence.
