ISLAMABAD: Punjab Governor Baligh ur Rehman excused himself from announcing date for election in province. Governor House in a press release stated that Governor contended that he was not liable to float date. “Rehman said he could not take an extra-constitutional decision as Lahore High Court’s (LHC) order to hold election within 90 days of assembly dissolution was “Interpretable” and legal pathway would be followed”, release read.

Earlier, delegation of ECP had called on Rehman to deliberate election prospects in province. On other hand, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar and Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman also met Governor to discuss election in province. 

Former Punjab CM Parvez Elahi had advised Rehman to dissolve assembly in bid to mount pressure on incumbent government to hold general elections in country. Assembly stood dissolved as Governor had refused to ink summary.

Meanwhile, Governor decided to approach Lahore High Court to seek clarity over his role in consultative process for election date in province. In statement, issued after meeting was held on LHC’s directives to finalise date for election, Baligh spokesperson said after consultation with legal and constitutional experts, matter will be referred to court.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 15 2023

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