LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif nominated Sardar Ayaz Sadiq as the PML-N candidate for the post of National Assembly speaker during a meeting at the premier’s Jati Umrah residence in Raiwind on Saturday.

PML-N sources said the prime minister had asked Mr Sadiq to file nomination papers for the election of speakership scheduled to be held on Monday (tomorrow).

PM Sharif was quoted as telling Mr Sadiq to continue his efforts to maintain the status and decorum of parliament.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has nominated Shafqat Mahmood as its candidate for the post. He filed his nomination papers on Friday. Syed Ghazi Ghulab Jamal from Fata is also in the run. Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said that PML-N was trying to get Mr Sadiq elected unopposed.

Mr Mahmood said that he had been instructed by PTI chief Imran Khan to contest the election as part of the democratic process.

“The PTI will not leave any field open despite the fact that we know the result,” he added.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2015

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