Political unrest and uncertainty marred the swearing in ceremony for women and minority members elected on reserved seats in Khyber Pakhtun khwa (KP) Assembly, as the session was disrupted due to lack of quorum.

Opposition Leader Dr. Ibadullah strongly criticized the government’s move to delay proceedings, announcing plans to challenge the quorum maneuver in court.

He accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of undermining democratic processes and playing politics with the assembly. “They convene midnight sessions for unconstitutional purposes,” he said, adding that “politically immature individuals have run Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the last 12 years.”

Highlighting the lack of representation in the province, Dr. Ibadullah noted that the Senate has been without KP representation for a year, and women and minorities remain unrepresented in the assembly.

He said the swearing-in must proceed even if delayed by a day to ensure representation ahead of the upcoming Senate elections.

Speaking to the media before entering the assembly, Dr. Ibadullah condemned the disruption, stating, “Our mothers and sisters have come from far-flung areas for this session. No one should obstruct the process.” He warned that the opposition has alternate options if quorum issues are raised again.

On the other hand, provincial agriculture minister and PTI leader Sajjad Barakwal maintained that conducting the oath-taking is the speaker’s responsibility. He confirmed that all government lawmakers had been officially notified about the session and said PTI’s parliamentary committee would meet to decide the party’s future course of action.

As the political standoff deepens and the possibility of further quorum-related delays looms, the fate of the reserved seat members’ swearing-in a key procedural step before Senate elections remains uncertain.

Observers warn that continued disruptions could escalate tensions and further polarize the provincial assembly.