In a significant political development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday administered the oath to 25 opposition lawmakers on reserved seats, complying with a Peshawar High Court (PHC) directive. The decision came hours after opposition members approached the court, seeking intervention when the KP Assembly speaker adjourned the session due to a lack of quorum.
Earlier in the day, the KP Assembly session was abruptly adjourned after PTI lawmakers boycotted the proceedings. Speaker Babar Saleem Swati initiated the session after a two-hour delay but was forced to call it off when PTI’s Sher Ali Afridi pointed out the lack of quorum. Despite opposition protests, the speaker held a headcount and adjourned the session until July 24.
Opposition members, including PML-N lawmakers, condemned the PTI’s move, particularly the disruption during Quranic recitation. “We’ve been denied our right to take the oath for two years,” a PML-N MPA lamented. Leader of the Opposition Dr. Ibadullah Khan warned of legal action, stating, “We’ll go to court and request the chief justice to intervene.”
Governor Kundi later fulfilled the court’s order by swearing in 21 women and four minority lawmakers at his official residence. The development marks a crucial step ahead of the Senate elections, with the opposition securing its rightful representation after prolonged delays. The episode underscores the deepening political rift in KP, with both sides accusing each other of undermining democratic norms