Imran, Elahi discuss Punjab's political situation in key meeting

The newly sworn-in Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi called on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan at his Bani Gala residence in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The former premier felicitated Elahi on being appointed to the coveted slot. Moonis, his cousin Hussain Elahi and PTI spokesperson Dr Shahbaz Gill were also present on the occasion.

The crucial meeting discussed forming Punjab's cabinet and other aspects of the governance.

The participants agreed to name PTI's Sibtain Khan for the Punjab Assembly's speaker slot as they agreed that Sibtain has humility in his personality and would take everyone onboard.

Also read: Imran hails judges for ‘upholding Constitution’

Both Imran and Elahi also agreed that the government must come up to the expectations of the people.

In a devastating blow to the nascent Shehbaz Sharif-led ruling coalition, the Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari’s ruling on the election of Punjab chief minister, paving the way for PTI’s Pervaiz Elahi to ascend to the throne in the country’s political heartland.

In his reaction to the verdict, the PTI chairman said the judges “stood firm and upheld the Constitution and law against all manner of threats and abuse”.

Elahi sought a report from the commissioner about the losses due to the flood and directed him to assess the damage to the houses, fields and public property.

He also sought a report from the Rawalpindi commissioner of the deaths of two children who drowned in a pond and ordered a report following an inquiry. He extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed to Allah Almighty to grant them patience to bear the loss with fortitude.

Also read: ‘Victory of public mandate’: PTI heaps praise on SC judges for ‘historic’ verdict

Meanwhile, Director-General of Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Faisal Farid said 60 places had been affected by the floods in Rajanpur, adding that relief operations are ongoing in the affected areas.

Eight relief camps, he further said, had been set up by the district administration and 217 people from 26 families had been staying there.

Farid added that those in the camps are being provided with food, clean water and medical care. According to the official, some 1,410 people affected by the flood have been provided relief while 1,180 people trapped in the areas had been shifted to safe places.

The PDMA official assured that all resources were being utilised to provide relief to the flood victims.