LAHORE: A parliamentary delegation of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) called on Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz and discussed the political situation.
Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Senator Yusuf Raza Gilani, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Ali Haider Gilani and Hassan Murtaza were members of the delegation. Political situation of the country and matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.
The delegation congratulated Hamza Shahbaz on assuming the office of Punjab chief minister. The two sides reiterated their resolve to move forward jointly for development of the country and the nation.
According to media reports, the PPP is likely to receive three ministries in Punjab cabinet and does not appear to be pushing for the coveted governor’s and speaker’s slots.
The PML-N has nominated part loyalist from Baligh-ur-Rehman for the post of Governor Punjab. The prime minister had recommended the name of PPP’s Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood as Punjab governor but has retained the spot for itself.
The PPP delegation forwarded the names of three MPAs to CM Hamza Shehbaz for their induction into his cabinet. The formation of a new provincial cabinet has been delayed till the removal of Governor Cheema after he refused to administer oath to office-bearers.
According to reports, the probables for the cabinet are Hasan Murtaza, Gilani’s son Ali Haider and Makhdoom Usman Mehmood. The party has also suggested the names of Shazia Abid, Ghazanfar Abbas Langha and Raees Nabeel for parliamentary secretaries of various standing committees.
Punjab chief minister Hamza Shahbaz thanked the top PPP leadership for extending full cooperation. He vowed that democratic and constitutional values would be promoted through reconciliation. He said the journey of development had started where it was left four years ago.
PML-N leaders Sardar Owais Leghari, Khwaja Salman Rafique. Khwaja Imran Nazir, Attaullah Tarar and Imran Goraya were also present on the occasion.
