Fawad Chaudhry urges NA to elect new opposition leader amid Shehbaz Sharif’s continuous absence

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry has urged the speaker of the National Assembly to inquire about the exact date of Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif’s return to the country or move for the appointment of a new opposition leader to ensure the smooth running of legislative functions of the house.

In his letter to Speaker Asad Qaiser, Chaudhry said it was a matter of great concern and that the opposition leader had been conspicuous by his absence for a long time.

“In addition, he has withdrawn from the position of chairman, Public Accounts Committee, which is an important component of the National Assembly,” he noted.

The federal minister further said that despite his non-appearance and his obvious disinterest in the affairs of the House, Shehbaz was enjoying all the privileges entitled to the office of the opposition leader, which was a clear violation of the Rules of Business of the National Assembly and a contravention of democratic norms.

“In view of the above circumstances, Shehbaz Sharif may either be inquired about the confirmed dates of his return to Pakistan or a move for the appointment of a new opposition leader may be expedited forthwith, so that the business of the House may be carried out smoothly, and the legislative functions of the House be performed without any hindrance,” Chaudhry added.

Shehbaz has been out of the country since November 2019, when he travelled abroad with his brother, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is being treated for various ailments in London after he was released on bail.