Fawad hopes CJP will form judicial commission this week

Rejecting the formation of a commission based on the incumbent government’s choice for investigating the foreign conspiracy claims made by PTI, former information minister Fawad Chaudhry has expressed hope that Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial will take a decision regarding the formation of a “judicial commission” in this regard this week.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, PTI’s senior vice president said Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb had accepted in a presser that the diplomatic cable with conspiracy details was a reality.

"They said we will set up a commission of our choosing. We rejected it obviously," he said, reaffirming that PTI only wanted a judicial commission to look into the matter.

Claiming that the coalition government was hanging by a thread, Fawad lamented that Punjab was facing an administrative crisis but nobody was concerned or willing to take responsibility.

He lambasted the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for adjourning the hearing pertaining to the disqualification of dissident PTI lawmakers till Tuesday, asking the ECP to take immediate notice of the crisis in Punjab and not treat the case as usual business.

Recently, Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema requested army chief to take action against the "illegal, unconstitutional and counterfeit" CM.

Fawad termed the resumption of the presidential reference hearing on May 9 related to the disqualification of defecting lawmakers as a positive step. He prayed to the court for a concrete verdict that could be implemented.

"I believe the sooner these decisions are announced, the sooner there will be political stability in Pakistan,” he said.

"Punjab's administrative crisis has risen above our shoulders and the Centre's administrative crisis is also increasing.”

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The former minister added that PTI had informed the top court about people not being allowed to vote in Punjab, adding that as a result, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government had the support of 173 lawmakers only.

"You need the consistent support of 172 people to remain the prime minister. According to the latest information I have, three out of 173 have refused to do so the strength at the moment is 168 or 169. A minority government has been imposed."

He claimed that the coalition government will have to hold a vote of confidence after the Supreme Court’s decision.

"I believe the Punjab government will be sent home before May 12 and the federal government before May 20. The public's rule will be restored in Pakistan,” Fawad claimed. “People have to ultimately decide who will be in power and that will be done through elections.”

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Commenting on the rallies, he said the PTI chairman will begin the second phase in Mianwali, hold rallies from May 6 to May 20 and will announce the final date for the party’s long march to Islamabad between May 20 and 29.

"All workers should prepare. A sea of people will be seen coming towards Islamabad. Such a big revolution has not been seen by anyone.".