Gilani becomes opposition leader in Senate

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Senator Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has been appointed as Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House.

Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani on Friday issued the notification of Gilani’s victory after PPP was able secure the support of 30 lawmakers.

“In pursuance of Rule 16 (3) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate 2012, the Chairman Senate has been pleased to declare Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, with effect from 26th March, 2021,” read the notification issued by the Senate Secretariat.

Gillani earlier today filed the nomination papers for the slot, according to pictures shared by PPP Senator Rubina Khalid on Twitter.

PML-N’s Azam Nazir Tarrar, according to reports, had the support of 21 Opposition senators while JUI-F, which has five senators, did not support any candidate.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani had secured the support of 30 Opposition senators for the prized post which had been a matter of contention between the PML-N and the PPP.