PML-N, allies' parliamentary session passes resolution of confidence in CM Hamza

Resolution expresses no confidence in Elahi, says 'it is illegal and unconstitutional for him to remain in office'

LAHORE:

A joint parliamentary party session of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and allied parties chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz on Sunday, unanimously passed a resolution expressing complete confidence in the PML-N leader.

The resolution presented discussed the “undemocratic” measures previously taken to impede the development of the province and obstruct the government from fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.

The session also strongly condemned the unconstitutional measures taken to block the appointment of a provincial governor as on Saturday President Arif Alvi asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reconsider his advice about the appointment of a new Punjab governor as Omar Sarfraz Cheema “still holds the office”.

He was responding to the premier’s summary about appointing a new governor — Baleeghur Rehman — after Cheema was de-notified by the Cabinet Division following a dispute between Alvi and Shehbaz over the authority to appoint someone to that post.

Furthermore, the coalition session strongly criticised the move of non-compliance within the seven-day period stipulated in the Constitution for the vote of no-confidence against Punjab Assembly speaker Pervez Elahi.

The resolution presented expressed no confidence in the PA speaker stating, “it is illegal and unconstitutional for the speaker to remain in office.”

The resolution was presented by PA member Rana Mashhur Ahmed, it was unanimously agreed upon by members of the PML-N, PPP and independents.

The meeting also decided on a strategy for the Punjab Assembly session.

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The session also discussed and criticised former prime minister Imran Khan’s offensive remarks about PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz. The parliamentary party stated that the former premier was responsible for fostering a culture of “rudeness and immorality” in politics.

The group expressed appreciation for the ‘pro-people’ initiative of CM Hamza with regard to providing affordable flour to the people of the province. PML-N leader Ata Tarar and Punjab Assembly member Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan also addressed the meeting.

Earlier today, the no-confidence motion submitted by the PML-N against speaker Pervaiz Elahi was “declined” due to the "absence" of the PML-N lawmakers in the provincial assembly.

The session that convened with Panel of Chairperson member Wasim Badozai in the chair, started after much delay, lasted for only 12 minutes and only one item of agenda, i.e. the no-trust vote, against Elahi was taken up.

As the house took up the session, the PTI members sat on the treasury benches despite losing the slot of the chief executive to PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz last month whereas the PML-N lawmakers were not present in the house owing to a “lack of strategy” on the issue.