ISLAMABAD – The PML-N was considering bringing a no-confidence motionagainst the new Senate chairman but dropped the plan due to constitutionallimitations, it is learnt.
As Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi repeatedly targets Sanjrani,questioning his legitimacy to be in the office after ‘buying votes,’ thePML-N is all set to get tough with the new chairman inside the upper houseonce it is in session.
Discussions with some PML-N lawmakers suggest that the party leadership,using its strength in the Senate, will adopt an ‘unsparing’ attitudetowards the Senate chairman, staging walkouts, boycotting the relatedproceedings, causing low attendance/lack of quorum leading to adjournmentof sessions, trading harsh words with the Senate chief, etc.
PML-N sources said the party leadership also mulled over moving courtagainst Sanjrani’s election on account of his ‘young age’ as Senatechairman, but constitutional limitations dissuaded the party from goingahead with the reported moves.
In light of the constitutional provisions, a no-confidence motion cannot bebrought against a prime minister, chief minister(s), Senate chairman orNational Assembly speaker before six months into their office.
Given that Sanjrani took oath as Senate chairman on March 12, no-confidencemotion cannot be brought against him till September 12.