Punjab’s politics is in a state of disarray. After the dissolution of the National Assembly and the ensuing political crisis, the largest province is also in turmoil. The seat of the chief minister lies vacant, the governor has been replaced and the Punjab Assembly has been shuttered.
The provincial assembly has been unable to hold elections to pick the next chief minister. After the resignation from loyalist Usman Buzdar, the PTI had nominated PML-Q stalwart Pervaiz Elahi for the coveted post. The decision stoked controversy as the PML-Q was a minority party with just 10 seats and even PTI members showed their disdain voting for him.
The opposition – which has nominated Hamza Shehbaz – for the post, claims it has the support of over 200 MPAs. A session of the provincial assembly this weekend witnessed ruckus and was adjourned within just six minutes. It was probably the shortest session ever. The assembly witnessed chaos as lawmakers broke public property before they were evicted.
Another session to elect the chief minister was abruptly postponed by 10 days till April 16. In a surprise move, the deputy speaker withdrew the decision and hurriedly summoned the assembly. There was further political drama as the ruling PTI filed a no-confidence motion against its own deputy speaker. In return, the opposition also filed a no-trust move against the Speaker which was not accepted. It was perhaps the first two no-confidence motions that have been submitted in a single day.
The PTI wants all Punjab Assembly MPAs to vote for Elahi and not deviate from party policy. There will be resentment over the move and shows why the lawmakers are siding with the opposition. Elahi’s nomination for the post was the result of securing support in the no-trust motion vote against the prime minister. With the voting squashed and National Assembly dissolved, the PTI’s support for PML-Q has raised questions.
There is also speculation whether the Punjab Assembly will also be dissolved. If the prime minister does intend to hold elections within 90 days, it would be most appropriate that elections for the provincial assemblies are also called. This is the only way to ensure that political crisis in the provinces is resolved.
