KARACHI, Mar 14: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday nominated senator Sherry Rehman for the position of Leader of Opposition in Senate.
If elected, Rehman would be the first woman Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. A PPP senator confirmed the news to The Express Tribune, however, the party is due to announce it officially soon.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is trying to field senator Azam Swati for the position. Sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune that a meeting between PPP and PTI is expected where they are likely to reach a mutual consensus and finalise the name.
According to Express News, FATA’s eight senators have pledged their support for Rehman and have signed the requisition papers in support.
After the alliance of the FATA senators, Rehman will be supported by 26 votes in Upper House already.
PPP’s Information Secretary Nafisa Shah has confirmed Rehman’s nomination.
Senator Rehman, former Pakistani Ambassador to the United States, would alter Pakistan’s history if nominated and elected for the position. If so, Rehman will replace senior party leader Aitzaz Ahsan, who recently retired from the Senate.
Rehman was also Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting from 2008-2009 in the PPP government.
According to sources, PTI has opposed Rehman’s candidature in the Upper House. The parliamentary party has suggested to Chairman Imran Khan that they should field their own candidate for the slot.
The office of Sherry Rehman has been approached for a comment.
