Govt bypasses President to call NA session

The government bypassing President Arif Alvi has convened the inaugural session of the new lower house of parliament on February 29, local media report Monday.

The session of the National Assembly has been convened by outgoing Speaker Raja Pervaiz.

The development was made after President Arif Alvi rejected a summary to summon the NA session in which MNAs-elect will take oath.

As per the constitution, the new National Assembly has to be called to session within 21 days of the general elections.

The date falls on February 29 for the current assembly.

The ministry had forwarded a summary for the session to be summoned to Alvi four days ago.

The reason behind the rejection is said to be the matter related to Sunni Ittehad Council’s reserved seats notification.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan has still not notified all of the reserved seats for minorities and women in the lower house of Parliament.