KARACHI:
The meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and former premier Yousaf Raza Gilani at Bilawal House on Thursday revived speculation that the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to bring about political and administrative changes in Punjab.
Reportedly, the PPP leadership decided to remove Punjab Governor Latif Khosa and appoint Makhdoom Syed Ahmed Mehmood – a Pakistan Muslim League-Functional MPA hailing from Rahim Yar Khan and a first cousin of former premier Gilani – in his stead.
While no leader from the ruling party confirmed the move, official sources say that Mehmood, who met President Zardari at Bilawal House on Thursday along with Gilani, will take oath tomorrow (Saturday) in Lahore. According to them, PPP’s defeat in the recent by-polls in Punjab has irked the party leadership enough to take the decision.
During the meeting, Gilani reportedly briefed President Zardari about Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s victory in the by-polls. Sources say the former premier held PPP’s lackluster campaign responsible for the rival party’s victory. They added that in addition to appointing Mehmood as the new Punjab Governor on Gilani’s recommendation, the President also decided to make the former premier responsible for the PPP’s campaign for upcoming elections.
When contacted, the Bilawal House spokesperson claimed he knew nothing about any such decision, adding that he became aware of such reports through the media himself.
Despite repeated attempts, Presidential Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar and Political Secretary Rukhsana Bangash could not be contacted for confirmation.
If appointed, Mehmood will be the third governor of Punjab appointed during the incumbent government’s tenure. Soon after Salman Taseer’s assassination in 2011, Latif Khosa took over the governor’s office. He was previously the attorney general of Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2012.
COMMENTS (7)
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Congratulations to Makhdumzada Ahmed Mehmud on his elevation to the position pf Governor of Punjab province. Makhdum sahib should immediately declare his home town Rahim Yar Khan as Divisional Head quarter by upgrading Sadiqabad as district. It's demand of the people since long because Rahim Yar Khan is one of the oldest district in South Punjab and by the time earned an importance in the country. This town has lot facilities which other towns of it's do not have. Upgrading Rahim yar Khan as a division will provide many other opportunities to people of this backward area where people have to travel to go to division HQ Bahawalpur. Regrads.
Dear Hafeez Tunio, I am still waiting if it has been confirmed that Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood has been appointed to replace Latif Khosa as Governor Punjab or not? If he is appointed, then what would happen to the political orphans of Sindh who have been united under the umbrella of Pir Pagara because then talented cousins would be there to convince Pir Pagaro to rejoin allinace with PPP.
@Blithe: Can poor nation of Pakistan afford millions of Ruppees beiing spent on these so-called ceremonial posts?
Does this govt. make appointments on merit? I agree with SK on the fact about do not expect any change from this govt.
I also dont mind even if PPP rules 10 or 20 years... considering if it performs well and provide the comfort to its citizen and make decision only in the best interest of Pakistan and not from their political interest.
Does it call democracy where father, son, daughter, mother, brother-in-law or what not comes into power day in and out, where turns are made by the political parties.
What does these political parties have given Pakistan so far if the rule of Army has not given anything to Pakistan? Name anything that has benefitted Pakistan and its people directly?
Just blaming others to hide your own incompetence is simply stupid - Not even people understands it but you will be anwerable to Allah as well :)
The post of governor is utterly undemocratic. This is only done in a colonial rule. This monarchist practice should be discontinued. I don't know why people of Pakistan do not protest against this undemocratic position. When ZAB COPIED 1935 India Act to make 1973 constitution he forgot to remove this clause of appointing governors. We should have directly elected governors and no CMs.
he is not just Gilani's cousin, he is also first cousin of Pagara, he is brother-in-law of Jahangir Khan Tareen and also brother-in-law of another top politicians. It only proves one thing- its a mesh of all powerful people, its a vicious circle and don't expect any change no matter who comes- only possible is blood revolution lead and executed by people on the streets