New Punjab governor to be appointed after senate elections. STOCK IMAGE
Various groups within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) are lobbying for the induction of their candidates as the governor of the Punjab. The government, however, is considering taking a decision on the matter after Senate elections, party officials have told The Express Tribune.
Senior PML-N leaders said that Begum Zakia Shahnawaz, Jaffar Iqbal and Saud Majeed were the top contenders so far.
The issue with Saud Majeed is that he lost the May 2013 election to Tariq Bashir Cheema of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid, they said.
“A PML-N stalwart from Bahawalpur, who is also a minister of state, will not be happy with Saud’s appointment as governor,” a PML-N leader said.
He said that Iqbal was also a candidate for Senate. “Zakia Shahnawaz and Iqbal are good contenders for the post,” he said. Acting governor Rana Muhammad Iqbal has also shown an inclination to continue as governor. “But then things might turn around at the eleventh hour and a dark horse could be appointed,” he said.
Requesting anonymity, a PML-N senator said there were various factors which would be taken into consideration. He said the prime minister was likely to announce a governor after the Senate polls.
Another PML-N leader said there were several conspiracy theories making rounds around former governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar’s resignation. “Some people are saying that his resignation is an indication of winds of change.”
He said this wasn’t true. Sarwar had developed differences with the government over several issues. “Sarwar wanted a more active role in politics which he couldn’t have as governor.”
He said the PML-N was likely to appoint a governor who wouldn’t interfere in political matters or cause trouble for the government. “Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is very touchy about intervening officials.”
Whoever becomes the new governor would have to stick to the ceremonial role of governor and obey the government’s orders, he said.
Former law minister Dr Khalid Ranjha said there was no deadline for the appointment of governor in the Constitution. “A governor is the representative of the federal government and is appointed by the president after receiving a recommendation from the prime minister.” He said the PM would send one name and that person would be appointed governor. Till then, the acting governor will take care of the governor’s office, he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2015.
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