Advocate general steps down owing to ‘personal obligations’

Resignation letter written to governor, caretaker CM

LAHORE:

Advocate General Punjab Muhammad Shan Gul has tendered his resignation from his post, highlighting his inability to perform the functions of his office due to domestic commitments that he can no longer postpone.

The letter was written to Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman and Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, stating, “It was in the early stages of my return to private practice, after recently not being confirmed as a permanent judge of the Lahore High Court, that I was approached by Mohsin Naqvi, the chief minister, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, the chief secretary and Ahmed Raza Sarwar, the Additional Chief Secretary, regarding my availability to serve as the Advocate General of the province.

At the time of accepting this esteemed position, I was specifically informed that the appointment was only for a short duration, which prompted me to accept it,” added the resignation.

The resignation further stated, “Upon assuming office, I regret to highlight that there were pending matters dating back over a year, including opinions sought by various departments and Order XXVII-A notices. I find great personal satisfaction in reporting that the office currently has no outstanding matters pending.”

“Therefore, with a heavy heart, I must inform you of my inability to perform the functions of my office from June 27, 2023, due to prior domestic commitments that I can no longer postpone. I would be extremely grateful if my resignation from the post of Advocate General Punjab is accepted, effective from June 27, 2023,” the resignation added.

“It has been an honour and privilege to have served this office and the province under your kind guidance, and I will forever remain indebted to you and the province for this gracious opportunity,” the resignation letter concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2023.