ISLAMABAD, APR 02 (DNA) – The PML-N was considering bringing a no-confidence motion against the new Senate chairman but dropped the plan due to constitutional limitations, it is learnt.

As Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi repeatedly targets Sanjrani, questioning his legitimacy to be in the office after ‘buying votes,’ the PML-N is all set to get tough with the new chairman inside the upper house once it is in session.

Discussions with some PML-N lawmakers suggest that the party leadership, using its strength in the Senate, will adopt an ‘unsparing’ attitude towards the Senate chairman, staging walkouts, boycotting the related proceedings, causing low attendance/lack of quorum leading to adjournment of sessions, trading harsh words with the Senate chief, etc.

PML-N sources said the party leadership also mulled over moving court against Sanjrani’s election on account of his ‘young age’ as Senate chairman, but constitutional limitations dissuaded the party from going ahead with the reported moves.

In light of the constitutional provisions, a no-confidence motion cannot be brought against a prime minister, chief minister(s), Senate chairman or National Assembly speaker before six months into their office.

Given that Sanjrani took oath as Senate chairman on March 12, no-confidence motion cannot be brought against him till September 12.