Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has rejected the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP's) decision to name Prof Dr Hassan Askari as caretaker Punjab chief minister, arguing that his appointment would cast doubts over transparency of general elections.
Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi accompanied by PML-N leaders Khawaja Saad Rafique, Ahsan Iqbal, Khurram Dastgir, Rana Sanaullah and others voiced their concerns over Askari's selection and urged the ECP to rescind its decision. The former prime minister said Dr Askari is an ardent critic of the PML-N and his partiality is evident from the views he expresses in his articles and TV talk shows. "It is unfortunate that the ECP chose him for the slot of the chief minister. The PML-N will reject the election results if he is made caretaker chief minister of the Punjab," he warned.
The former prime minister claimed that the names proposed by the PML-N for the caretaker Punjab CM slot were of individuals with good reputation whose neutrality was well-established. "The ECP should not have picked a partisan person for the position of caretaker chief minister Punjab," he said, adding: "Askari is also in favour of a delay in elections."
He further said if the elections are made controversial, a political crisis will emerge which will be "poisonous" for the country. Earlier, Rana Sanaullah said it was unfortunate that an individual who had "never even run a school" would now be in charge of a province. He alleged that Dr Askari does not believe in democracy and has always criticised the PML-N and its leadership. He alleged that Dr Askari cannot be expected to work impartially. "We have expressed our reservations in writing over his appointment," Rana said, adding that the party could challenge Askari's actions.
On the other hand, the PPP too has expressed its concerns over the appointment of Hassan Askari as the caretaker chief minister. President PPP Lahore Azizur Rehman Chan said his party had reservations over Askari's appointment as the PML-N and PTI had not consulted the PPP during the entire process of nominating the caretaker chief minister.
Dr Askari promised that he would not misuse his position and vowed to hold fair and transparent elections. "The ECP has appointed me as caretaker CM in line with the Constitution. No party should have any trouble," he added. Dr Askari said: "The PML-N is expressing its reservations which is its right. It can say anything about me. If they wish to challenge my appointment, they can. It makes no difference to me." Dr Askari added: "I will complete my constitutional responsibilities."
Dr Hassan Askari has refused to step down as caretaker Chief Minister Punjab. He said: "I have no political agenda. I will try my level best to discharge my duty in an effective manner." Talking to AAJ News, Dr Hasan Askari thanked the Election Commission of Pakistan and vowed to perform well during his tenure.
When his attention was drawn towards his recent article published in Arab News suggesting that elections may be delayed for some time and PML-N's other objections that he was against the party, Dr Askari said his article was misread. The general elections will be held on 25th July this year, he assured.
Answering a question, the nominated caretaker chief minister said his cabinet would be concise and comprised of professional and credible people.
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