LAHORE: Contrary to media reports, in a late night development Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman denotified Chaudhry Parvez Elahi as chief minister in what appeared to be attempt to forestall the dissolution of Punjab Assembly, as was announced by Chairman PTI Imran Khan.
Taking to Twitter at 12:42am Friday, Balighur Rahman alleged that “since CM has refrained from obtaining Vote of Confidence at the appointed day and time therefore he ceases to hold office. Orders issued this evening.”
Since CM has refrained from obtaining Vote of Confidence at the appointed day and time therefore he ceases to hold office. Orders issued this evening pic.twitter.com/ZWnK376DfP
— M Baligh Ur Rehman (@MBalighurRehman) December 22, 2022
Within minutes after Governor’s notification, the newly appointed Chief Secretary of Punjab Abdullah Khan Sumbal also notified the dissolution of the provincial cabinet. “Mr Parvez Elahi has ceased to hold office of the Chief Minister Punjab with immediate effect,” reads the notification.
In the notification, the governor mentioned that despite an order issued for the CM to take a vote of confidence, he did not follow suit. Moreover, Elahi did not take the vote after 24 hours, the notification said.
“I am satisfied that he does not command the confidence of the majority of the members of the Punjab Assembly and therefore ceases to hold his office with immediate effect,” the notification stated.
The notification also mentioned that the provincial cabinet stands dissolved and the chief minister will continue performing his duties until a new person is elected to office.
Reacting to Governor’s move, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rejected the notification. PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry said that the notification holds “no legal status” and Elahi also announced approaching the court first thing tomorrow.
