ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated on Monday that the government would oppose Mohsin Naqvi’s appointment as Punjab’s interim chief minister if the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) brought the matter up in court.
The minister further asserted during a news conference in Islamabad that the appointment could not be contested because all requirements had been met, from consulting with the opposition leader to getting approval from the Pakistani Election Commission (ECP).
He claimed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reached a consensus on the issue of the interim chief executive’s selection (KP). Unfortunately, it was not the case in Punjab.
Asif also complimented the temporary CM on taking up his new duties and wished Punjab will hold free and fair elections under his direction.
He also praised the ECP’s legal ruling and noted that the entire procedure was carried out “in accordance with the constitution.” He stated that one of the PTI nominees was an active government employee and the other was a dual citizen as justification for rejecting them.
“They [PTI] did a poor job of screening these nominees. They therefore had to endure shame in this situation “Added he.
