Soon after appointing Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi — a nominee of the opposition — as interim chief minister for Punjab by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday categorically rejected the decision, declaring “Naqvi” as “controversial” personality.
The electoral authority’s decision comes after the failure of the government and the opposition to reach a consensus on the caretaker chief executive, the move appeared to kick off a new round of controversy in the country.
The development came during a meeting held with Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja in the chair.
Following the no consensus, the matter was sent to the electoral body under Clause 3 of Article 224-A of the Constitution.
ECP Secretary Umar Hameed Khan, Special Secretary Zafar Iqbal Hussain, director generals and additional DGs of the relevant departments were among the 15 attendees of the speciation meeting of the electoral watchdog.
Khan and Iqbal briefed the meeting on the matter. The huddle decided the matter after considering all legal and constitutional aspects, the sources privy to the development said.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice-President Fawad Chaudhry rejects the appointment of Naqvi as caretaker Punjab chief executive and vowed to launch a massive campaign against “this system”.
Reacting to the decision, Fawad said: “No other options left but taking to the streets against this system.”
He added that they rejected the ECP’s decision about appointing a “controversial” person to the key post.
Taking a jibe at the electoral watchdog, he said, “The ECP never disappointed them.”
Fawad asked the PTI’s activists to prepare themselves for a massive campaign under the leadership of Imran Khan.
