Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has been sworn-in as the Speaker of National Assembly.

Outgoing Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf administered the oath to him.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq won the election to the office of National Assembly by securing 199 votes.

The candidate of Sunni Ittehad Council Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar bagged 91 votes.

After assuming the seat, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed his gratitude to the leaders and members of PML-N, PPP, MQM, PML (Q), IPP and Balochistan Awami Party for reposing confidence in him.

He assured he will take forward the proceedings of the house in accordance with the rules and regulations.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the members will be given full opportunity to express their opinion on the floor of the house. 

He said the doors of his office will always remain open to all the members.  

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said difference of opinion and criticism is essence of democracy, stressing, however, that it should be directed towards reforms and betterment of the country.

The Speaker noted that the current political tension is not in the interest of the country, emphasizing the need for building national consensus and a joint strategy to address the problems faced by the country.

He said both the treasury and opposition members are part of this house and it will be his effort to take them along.

Amir Dogar, the candidate of Sunni Ittehad Council, felicitated the newly elected Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. He said it is a matter of distinction for Sardar Ayaz Sadiq that he has been elected for the third time.

The House adopted a motion moved by Syed Naveed Qamar to allow use of the chamber of the National Assembly on 9th and 14th of this month or another day as may be fixed by the Election Commission of Pakistan for election of the President of Pakistan and the election of one member of the Senate from the federal capital.

Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah of PPPP has been elected as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

He secured 197 votes whilst the candidate of Sunni Ittehad Council Junaid Akbar bagged 92 votes.

One vote was declared invalid.

Later the newly elected Deputy Speaker took the oath of his office.

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq administered him the oath.

Newly elected Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, after taking oath, thanked the lawmakers, who supported him in the election. He also appreciated Sunni Ittehad Council candidate Junaid Akbar for participating in the democratic process.

Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah also thanked the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan People’s Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam, and Balochistan Awami Party for extending their support to him.

Taking the floor, MQM-Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar called for joining hands to take the country forward. He said we have to strengthen local governments to ensure development at the grass roots level.

PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said no individual, party, or institution can single handedly steer the country out of the present crises. He urged lawmakers to forge unity and refrain from political polarization to strengthen democracy and the parliament as well as to uphold the supremacy of the constitution.

The House has been adjourned to meet again on Sunday at 11:00 am.