Dr Hasan Askari sworn in as Punjab caretaker CM

Political scientist and military analyst Dr Hasan Askari took on Friday oath as the Punjab caretaker chief minister (CM).

Governor Punjab Rafique Rajwana administered the oath to Dr Askari at the Governor House. Dr Askari is a political scientist and military analyst and has taught Masters-level courses at Pakistani, American and German universities.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) appointed Dr Askari as the Punjab caretaker CM after a parliamentary committee failed to form a mutual consensus between the Punjab government and opposition.

Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) rejected his appointment after his name was announced by the ECP. The PML-N claimed that Dr Askari, whose name had been suggested by Pakisan Tehreek-e-Insaf, was a hard critic of PML-N and they had doubts over him overseeing to the general polls.

However, Dr Askari refused to step down from his position saying that if the PML-N has a problem with his appointment, it should challenge his appointment if they wish. He has promised to hold fair elections and perform his responsibility given by the ECP. "I will complete my constitutional responsibilities," he said.