ISLAMABAD: In a controversial move, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders Nisar Khoro and Jam Mehtab participated in a recent Senate meeting despite the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) declaring their seats vacant.
The ECP’s decision, based on Article 223/4 of the Constitution, triggered the issuance of new election schedules for the contested seats. However, both Khoro and Mehtab defied the ruling by attending the Senate session and even delivering speeches.
This act has sparked concerns about the validity of their participation, with Senate Secretariat sources calling it “unconstitutional.” They emphasized that Khoro and Mehtab are no longer considered members of the Senate and their actions constitute a breach of protocol.
The situation becomes even more complex with the inclusion of Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, whose seat is also declared vacant, although his term
officially ends on March 11th.
Sources have confirmed that elections for the six vacant Senate seats, including those of Khoro, Mehtab, and former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, will be held on March 14th.
These seats encompass three from Balochistan, two from Sindh, and one from Islamabad.
The participation of Khoro and Mehtab in the Senate meeting, despite their vacated seats, has generated considerable debate and raised questions about the adherence to constitutional guidelines within the legislative body.
