Punjab Assembly stands dissolved without governor’s approval

Despite Punjab Govenor Balighur Rehman’s refusal to sign the summary for Punjab Assembly dissolution, the provincial legislature stood dissolved on Saturday at 10pm as advice forwarded by the chief minister two days ago expired as per the Constitution.

“I have decided not to become part of the process leading to the dissolution of Punjab Assembly. I would rather let the Constitution and law take its own course,” the governor wrote on his official Twitter handle.

“Doing so will not hamper any legal process as Constitution clearly provides a way forward,” he added.

His statement came after Governor Balighur Rehman and other federal ministers on Saturday met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the premier's residence in Lahore's Model Town ahead of the Punjab Assembly dissolution.

On Thursday, CM Elahi had advised Governor Rehman to dissolve the provincial assembly, fulfiling the promise to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and paving the way for fresh elections.

Read Alvi ‘can ask’ PM to obtain trust vote

Elahi’s son, Moonis, had shared a one-line dissolution summary, and the note of its receipt at the governor’s office on his Twitter handle, confirming the latest development. “Promise fulfilled. May we see you back in PM seat soon Imran Khan,” he had written in a tweet.

“I, Parvez Elahi Chief Minister Punjab, hereby advise you to dissolve the provincial assembly of Punjab,” read the chief minister’s advice to Governor Rehman on the letterhead of the ‘Chief Minister Punjab’ as shared on Twitter by Moonis Elahi.

Following the receipt of the letter, Punjab Governor Rehman had said that he will decide about approving the Punjab Assembly dissolution advice sent by the Punjab chief minister, as per Constitution and law, and in the larger interest of the country.

Talking to newsmen at Expo Centre Lahore on Friday, he had maintained that the decision will be made keeping in view all constitutional and legal aspects.

He had said that decision will also be made regarding the caretaker setup and date for the next elections, which will be held within 90 days.

The governor had furthered that it will also be taken into account that the month of Ramazan will start after 90 days, during which public activities are different from normal days.

Following the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly, the governor said letters have been sent to Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi and Leader of the Opposition Hamza Shehbaz for the appointment of a unanimous caretaker chief minister.

In the letter, the chief minister and the opposition leader have been asked to suggest name for the interim chief minister within three days by January 17 (Tuesday).