ISLAMABAD In what has been described as a dramatic move, Chaudhry Parvaiz Elahi has announced his resignation as the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly.

The resignation will pave the way for Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to replace Elahi. The move raises eyebrows as it comes amid talk of a deal between the PML-Q and the PPP under which the party will get ministerial slots at the centre and important positions in Punjab. 

In his letter addressed to Acting President and National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza, Elahi wrote “It seems that this slot (leader of opposition) 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 (PPP) in the province of the Punjab which they plan to support in the centre”.

Elahi narrated his elevation to the leader of opposition`s position by saying “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”.

He further said "Despite this dichotomy, I do not want to get involved in any controversy and in interest of a smooth working parliament and with a view not to embarrass your position as speaker, I hereby tender my resignation as Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly”.

The PML-Q leader had faxed his resignation to Dr Mirza.

PML-N has already submitted papers in the lower house nominating Chaudhry Nisar for Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, private television channels said.