Speaker to summon NA session if president doesn’t: Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (SABAH): Senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Senator Ishaq Dar, has asserted that if President Dr Arif Alvi fails to summon a National Assembly session, the constitutional prerogative allows the Speaker to convene the session on February 29.

Dar, addressing the media outside the Punjab Assembly, emphasised that according to constitutional mandates, a session of the National Assembly must be called within 21 days from the date of general elections, thereby underscoring the urgency of the matter.

He further highlighted that this principle extends to provincial assemblies as well, clarifying that if a governor fails to summon the session of a provincial assembly, similar procedures can be followed.

The former finance minister refrained from delving into the intricacies of economic strategies, suggesting that such discussions are better suited for more appropriate forums.

According to media reports, the summary was dispatched to the president the other day, yet Dr Alvi is asserting his authority to delay the process by up to 15 days.

It is understood that Dr. Alvi’s stance hinges on his interpretation of constitutional provisions, believing that he holds the prerogative to defer the signing of the summary.