Oath-taking ceremony: ‘Note to Punjab: Improve health and education’

“I’m determined to promote a better understanding between the PPP and the Punjab government,” says Mehmood.

LAHORE:

With a stated mission to develop a better working relationship between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Punjab government, Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood took oath as the Punjab governor on Tuesday.

The oath taking ceremony took place on one of the lawns at the Governor’s House. Lahore High Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial administered the oath. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was also present.

Mehmood also read out a written statement outlining his advice to the Punjab government.

“I’m determined to promote a better understanding between the PPP and the Punjab government,” he read.

He thanked the PPP chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and co-chairman, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, for the honour and vowed that he would not them let down.

Mehmood advised the Punjab government to improve its performance in three sectors: health, education and the provision of civic facilities. He said he would keep reminding the Punjab government of his message.

“I will not get any benefit from my post,” he added.



The new governor said that he had a good relationship with the Punjab government and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. He hoped that they would respect his advice.

“I hope the Punjab government will take my suggestions seriously.”

Mehmood said that he had accepted the appointment gracefully and with dignity. He said he had not come to the post through any behind-the-scenes deal with President Zardari.

He wished a merry Christmas to Christians.

Mehmood said he would not take any of the perks and privileges of his office as there was a recession in the country. He would only draw the regular salary due him.

Asked about Dr Tahirul Qadri’s recent statements, Mehmood said that Dr Qadri enjoyed great respect. However, he said that Dr Qadri not try to exploit the love of his supporters for his political gain.

All assemblies, he said, whether at the centre or in the provinces, have a leader of the house and a leader of the opposition who would announce a caretaker government after due consultation.

Asked about his views regarding the ‘restoration of the Bahawalpur province’, he said that both the Punjab position and the National Assembly had passed resolutions in this regard and he hoped that those would be respected. When further pressed on whether he wanted two new provinces or one, he replied that the new provinces should be created through consensus.

PPP sources have said that Mehmood was offered the office after he changed his position on the ‘restoration of the Bahawalpur province’. The PML-N, through Mehmood, had previously submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly demanding the restoration of the Bahawalpur province.

When asked if he would meet PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, the new governor replied that first he would meet with President Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto.

Later Mehmood laid a floral wreath at the shrine of Data Ganj Bakhsh.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2012.