Amid controversies and differences among Punjab’s political stakeholders, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi was sworn in as the interim chief minister late on Sunday night at Governor House Lahore.
Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman administered oath to Interim Chief Minister Naqvi.
Earlier today, Naqvi – the opposition’s nominee – was appointed as caretaker chief minister by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The ECP’s decision was categorically rejected by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), which termed Naqvi a “controversial” figure.
The electoral authority’s decision came as the government and the opposition failed to reach a consensus on finalizing the name of the caretaker chief executive – a move that appeared to usher in a new round of controversy in the country.
In a statement, the ECP said that in a meeting presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, it was unanimously decided to appoint Naqvi as supervisor to Chief Minister Punjab.
PTI rejects ECP’s ‘controversial’ decision.
Meanwhile, the PTI rejected Naqvi’s appointment and its senior vice-president Fawad Chaudhry vowed to launch a massive campaign against “this system”.
Reacting to this decision, Fawad said that there is no option left but to come to the streets against this system.
Elahi, on the other hand, expressed serious reservations over the ‘controversial’ decision of the ECP and announced to challenge it in the Supreme Court.
Reacting to the verdict, the Chief Minister questioned: “How can justice be expected from such a person who took a plea bargain of Rs 35 lakh?”
The outgoing chief executive also said the “controversial decision” was against every rule and regulation.
Mohsin Naqvi – Media mogul
Born in Lahore, Naqvi is a journalist by profession. He received his higher education in America and was associated with American TV channel CNN during his stay in Miami. After returning to Pakistan, he served as the regional head of CNN.
According to one report, Benazir Bhutto, whom Mohsin had interviewed earlier, had contacted him for the last time before her assassination.
Mohsin founded the local Media City News Network in 2009 at the age of 30 and now owns six news channels and one newspaper. He is also widely known in political circles and has strong connections with leading political figures.
