Punjab governor vows harmony with PML-N govt

Promises ‘sifarish culture’ will be shunned under his watch

LAHORE:

Sardar Saleem Haider, the recently appointed Governor of Punjab, has expressed his commitment to maintaining cordial ties with the PML-N-led provincial government while affirming that his office would assert its position, when necessary, but always with the betterment of the people of Punjab in mind.

Haider's commitment to collaborative governance stands in sharp contrast to the confrontational approach adopted by his party comrade, K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, prompting a verbal duel between him and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Talking to senior journalists before the oath-taking ceremony, Haider pledged to maintain strong working relations with the Punjab government in accordance with party policy. Stressing the significance of seamless service delivery, he underscored the necessity for synchronised efforts between the Punjab government and the Governor House.

Read Haider sworn in as Punjab governor

He said that the governor's office would perform its duties as prescribed in the Constitution without prejudice and favouritism.

He regretted the involvement of governor houses in past incidents that were beneath their stature. He firmly stated that the governor's office would refrain from meddling in the affairs of educational institutions.

Alluding to the Aitchison School incident, he remarked that seeking fee concessions or intervening in management tarnishes the reputation of educational institutions that serve as global representatives of the country’s education sector.

He reiterated that his office would be dedicated to promoting meritocracy across all levels.
When asked about the challenges his predecessors had faced at the hands of bureaucracy, he stated that he possessed ample experience in handling government officials. He said he would hold government officers accountable when necessary and mentioned having a plan ready for implementation upon assuming office.

He also expressed his intention to support PPP's resurgence in Punjab. When questioned about why PML-N would relinquish its space, particularly given all the state might at its disposal, he said reclaiming political space was the party’s democratic prerogative.

He hoped that this endeavour wouldn't strain relations between the two parties and assured that he would maintain cordial terms with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz.