Pakistan Muslim League-Q Punjab President and former chief minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi has quit the office of the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and faxed his resignation to NA Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza.
After Elahi's resignation, Chaudhry Nisar Ali of PML-N is all set to be notified as leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. It may be mentioned that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's 94 legislators after parting ways of the PML-N from the coalition set-up had requested the NA Speaker to notify Chaudhry Nisar Ali as leader of the Opposition.
Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, in his resignation addressed to the NA Speaker, said: "I hereby draw your kind attention towards the issue of the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly. While I was lawfully and democratically elected as Leader of Opposition in accordance with the accepted norms, but I have noticed that recent events are perhaps forcing you to reconsider this issue. As you are aware, my notification as Leader of Opposition was made after duly ascertaining all facts by yourself."
Now, Elahi says it seems that this slot is being sought by those who till September 13, were part of the federal government coalition and who, interestingly, remain allies in government with the same party in the province of Punjab, which they plan to oppose at the centre.
Despite this dichotomy, Elahi said: "I do not want to get involved in any controversy. In the interest the smooth working of Parliament and with a view not to embarrassing position as Speaker, I hereby tender my resignation as Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly." Elahi thanked the NA Speaker for kind co-operation extended to him as Leader of Opposition. "I look forward to working with you to strengthen the supremacy of Parliament and promote and protect the democratic process, Elahi added.