KP assembly session adjourned due to PTI MPAs' boycott ahead of Senate polls

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session was adjourned on Sunday shortly after resuming due to a lack of quorum caused by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers' absence.

The session, which was convened for the swearing-in of 25 members elected on reserved seats, failed to proceed due to the boycott.

Speaker Babar Saleem Swati initiated the proceedings after a delay of more than two hours. However, PTI MPA Sher Ali Afridi pointed out the lack of quorum, prompting the speaker to order a headcount and ring the bells for a five-minute recess. When the required number of members was still not present, the session was adjourned until July 24.

The PTI’s decision to boycott came following a meeting of the party’s parliamentary group in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa earlier in the day. At least 21 women and four minority lawmakers were due to take their oaths, but the absence of PTI members disrupted the ceremony once again.

The opposition criticized the manner in which the session was handled. A PML-N MPA objected to the interruption during the Quranic recitation, saying, "You cannot point out quorum during the recitation." She added, “Mr Speaker, this is not the right way. We’ve been denied our right to take the oath for two years.”

Leader of the Opposition Dr Ibadullah Khan expressed strong disapproval, warning of legal action. “We will go to court and request the chief justice to intervene,” he said. “If the oath isn’t administered now, it should at least take place later this evening.” He reiterated the opposition’s commitment to protecting democratic space in the province.

The disruption has cast uncertainty over the Senate elections scheduled for Monday, as only sworn-in MPAs are eligible to vote.