Summary NA Speaker Fehmida Mirza administered the oath to the incoming lawmakers.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Newly elected members of the National Assembly were sworn in today (Saturday), officially marking the first transition of power between democratically elected civilian governments in the 66-year history of the coup-prone country.
Outgoing Speaker Fehmida Mirza administered the oath to them.
Earlier‚ national anthem was played at the outset of the proceedings and the Speaker welcomed the members and congratulated them on their successful election.
The NA session comes weeks after the Pakistan Muslim League-N party of Nawaz Sharif won 176 seats in the 342-member lower house of Parliament.
Nawaz Sharif, who is expected to be the next prime minister, and his party face numerous challenges, including massive energy shortages, a badly ailing economy and ongoing militancy.
The previous ruling Pakistan People`s Party was crushed, earning just 39 seats.
Imran Khan`s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf won 35 seats, and has pledged to act as a strong opposition. Khan, who fractured three vertebrae and a rib when he fell 4.5 meters (15 feet) off a forklift in the last few days of the campaign, was unable to attend Saturday s session.
On the other hand, nomination papers for speaker and deputy speaker the National Assembly will be submitted to the NA secretary by 12 noon on Sunday and the election will be held through a secret ballot on Monday.
The House will also elect Leader of the House on Wednesday through division. The new Prime Minister is expected to take oath of his office the same day.
