Punjab Governor Omar Sarfaraz Cheema has sought guidance from President Arif Alvi on the matter of administering the oath to Hamza Shehbaz as chief minister.
According to 24NewsHD TV Channel, the governor sought the guidance in a reply letter to the president’s letter asking the former to act in accordance with the constitution following the Lahore High Court order.
The governor wrote a reply, after consulting constitutional experts. He sought guidance on two court orders.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) had instructed Punjab Governor Omar Sarfaraz Cheema to ensure the completion of the process of administering the oath to CM-elect Hamza Shehbaz either himself or through a nominee, on or before April 28.
The court issued the order while hearing Hamza’s plea. It also instructed President Dr Arif Alvi to facilitate the administration of Hamza's oath and "play his role mandated by the Constitution/Law" by ensuring a functional government in Punjab.
It is reported that Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema is looking for ways to refuse to administer the oath.
PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz Sharif also criticized the delay in the oath-taking of Hamza Shehbaz.
In a tweet uploaded on Thursday, Maryam Nawaz said despite the clear orders of the court, the swearing-in of Hamza Shehbaz was being arrogantly prevented.
She further said such a practice must be dealt with severely. “This is a province of 120 million people, not a joke,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Attaullah Tarar said that the Punjab governor cared about neither law nor the Constitution.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, he said that the governor was turning away from his constitutional responsibility by not administering the oath to CM-elect Hamza Shehbaz.
He also accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) of playing with the province for the last 27 days.
Reporter: Qazzafi Butt