ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) withdrew its candidates for the post of speaker and deputy speaker in the National Assembly at the last minute to show their support for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The PPP had nominated veteran party leader from Umerkot Nawab Yousuf Talpur and Ghulam Rasool Koreja from Rahimyar Khan for the two posts. However, PPP withdrew its candidates.
The contesting candidates submitted their nomination papers on Sunday, which were declared valid after scrutiny.
Four political parties had nominated candidates for the positions of speaker and deputy speaker, PPP, Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf (PTI), PML-N and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).
The PPP has 39 members in the National Assembly, whereas PTI has a strength of 35 seats. A total of 23 members from MQM will sit in the house.
According to sources, PPP wanted to give PML-N a chance to bring an unopposed speaker, deputy speaker and leader of the house.
However, their plan failed as PTI and MQM were not in favour of the move, forcing the former ruling party to field its own candidates for the posts.
DND
