LAHORE: The constitutional crisis in Punjab is far from over despite the Cabinet Division denotifying the governor, as Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Parvez Elahi has refused to take charge of acting governor after the removal of Omar Sarfraz Cheema.
Even if Mr Elahi remains adamant, legal experts believe, Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Mazari cannot assume the acting governor’s role. These developments could deprive Punjab of a governor for at least a week.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had sent a summary to President Arif Alvi, recommending PML-N loyalist Balighur Rehman for the post of Punjab governor. If the president does not act on the premier’s advice within 10 days, Mr Rehman’s appointment will be notified.
On Tuesday, PML-Q leader Parvez Elahi visited the Punjab Assembly Secretariat and performed his routine duties as the speaker. “Mr Elahi has not taken the charge of acting governor as he is consulting constitutional experts in this regard,” a party spokesperson said.
