The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has formally demanded the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), escalating tensions over the leadership of parliament’s most influential body. Senator Saleem Mandviwala sent a letter to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, urging a meeting of PAC members to resolve the impasse.
Mandviwala proposed that until a permanent chairperson is appointed, committee members should elect an interim leader through a vote. According to media reports, 11 PAC members have already submitted requisition requests for a meeting. Should the Speaker fail to act, the PPP has signaled its readiness to convene a meeting independently.
The Speaker has reportedly asked the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to propose candidates for the chairmanship. The PTI remains insistent on nominating Sheikh Waqas Akram for the position, with former Speaker Asad Qaiser also lobbying for his appointment.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has hinted at supporting the PPP’s claim to lead the committee, potentially altering the dynamics of the deadlock.
Since the government’s formation in March, the PAC has yet to elect a chairperson, leaving its critical oversight functions in limbo. The PAC is tasked with scrutinizing public spending and ensuring financial accountability.