Completing its tenure, National Assembly makes history

lawmak­ing sideli­ned, member­s pose for group photos, give farewe­ll speech­es

By Qamar Zaman / AFP

Published: March 15, 2013

Group photo of the National Assembly of Pakistan upon completion of their five year term. PHOTO: APP/FILE

ISLAMABAD: Thursday 14th March 2103 saw a new page being written in the country’s history. The 50^th National Assembly conducted its last session — becoming the first in the country’s history to complete a full term in office, dissolving in a low-key session that paves the way for elections.

The first sitting was held on March 17, 2008 when the members took oath.

Pakistan Parliament Becomes the 1st Assembly to Complete Tenure

Pakistan's parliament made history Thursday by becoming the first national assembly in the country's history to complete a full term in office, dissolving in a low-key session that paves the way for elections.

"The session that started on February 18, 2013 has prorogued on completion of its business," said Yasmeen Rehman, lawmaker for the main ruling Pakistan People's Party, reading out a letter from President Asif Ali Zardari.

She wished those present the best of luck before adding: "I pray that Allah gives us success and that democracy should continue and the next parliament should also complete its term."

Rehman stood in for the national assembly speaker, who was not present. Very few lawmakers attended what was the last session of Pakistan's 13th national assembly, consisting mostly of farewell speeches. Later, PPP lawmaker Yasmeen Rehman, reading out a letter from President Asif Ali Zardari, said, “I pray that Allah gives us success and that democracy should continue and the next Parliament should also complete its term.”

Moreover, the incumbent National Assembly was addressed twice by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and once by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. The sitting National Assembly also witnessed two prime ministers, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and RajaPervaiz Ashraf.

Pakistan is due to go to the polls to elect a new parliament by the middle of May, but a date has yet to be set. Ruling and opposition politicians are still negotiating the make-up of a caretaker administration which is set to replace the government within days.