KP mulls historic move; female candidate for deputy speaker post

PESHAWAR: In a significant stride towards gender inclusivity, deliberations are underway to appoint a female member to the esteemed position of Deputy Speaker in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed candidate from PK-1 Chitral, Suraya Bibi, as emerged as a prominent contender for the deputy speakership, according to sources within her party.

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The decision regarding Suraya Bibi’s potential elevation to the role of Deputy Speaker is poised to be finalised either today or tomorrow, with party insiders indicating a favourable outlook towards her candidacy.

However, amid the deliberations, another PTI-backed victorious candidate from PK-71, Sher Ali Afridi, has also thrown his hat into the ring, as disclosed by party sources.

Notably, the landscape of potential candidates for the Deputy Speakership underwent a shift following the refusals of Babar Saleem and Qasim Ali Shah, both elected MPAs, who initially showed interest in the position. Their decisions have paved the way for Suraya Bibi and Sher Ali Afridi to emerge as key contenders in the race for the prestigious role.

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The potential appointment of Suraya Bibi as Deputy Speaker would mark a historic moment, signifying a step towards greater gender representation and empowerment within the political sphere of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.