Islamabad: Senator Irfan Siddiqui, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Senate, has been elected as the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. Coalition partners supported Irfan Siddiqui, while opposition senators refused.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui was nominated for the chairmanship by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) parliamentary leader Senator Sherry Rehman and Chairman Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Maulana Atta ur Rehman.
PPP Senator Rana Mehmudul Hasan and PML-N Senator Dr Afnanullah Khan have been nominated. Sherri Rehman supported Irfan Siddiqui in a meeting attended by six members including Rana Mehmoodul Hasan, Rubina Kaimhani and Afnanullah Khan.
PTI senators Ali Zafar and Liaquat Khan Tarakai boycotted the vote but expressed their support after the election.
“If it wasn’t for the political problems we have going on, I would nominate Senator Irfan Siddiqui for the chairmanship. He is an excellent choice for that role,” said Ali Zafar.
After the election, Senator Irfan Siddiqui thanked his colleagues for their confidence. Emphasizing the important role of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he said, “In today’s complex world, our diplomatic efforts must increase. This committee will be a strategic think tank that provides strong support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
