The PML-N government has de-notified Omar Sarfaraz Cheema as the Governor of Punjab. The move comes despite the president’s resistance.
The cabinet division issued late Monday night a notification regarding the removal of Omar Cheema as governor of Punjab.
“In terms of Article 101 and proviso to Article 48 (1) of the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, read with serial No. 2D of schedule V-B to the Rules of Business, 1973 and the Prime Minister’s advice (s) rendered on 17-04-2022 and 01-05-2022 for removal of Governor of Punjab, Mr. Omer Sarfaraz Cheema ceases to hold the office of the Governor Punjab, with immediate effect,” the notification said.
Read more: Omar Cheema to file reference against LHC judge
Moreover, the notification added that the speaker of the Punjab assembly will perform his responsibilities as acting governor of Punjab till the appointment of the new governor.
صدر عارف علوی نے وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کی جانب سے گورنر پنجاب کو ہٹانے کی ایڈوائس مسترد کر دی تھی لیکن اب حکومت نے آدھی رات کو گورنر پنجاب کی برطرف کا نو ٹیفیکشن جاری کردیا۔کیایہ کوئی کام دن کی روشنی میں بھی کرسکتے ہیں!! نوٹیفیکیشن پر 10 تاریخ لکھی ہے، رات بارہ بجے دفتر کھولا🤪 pic.twitter.com/XlgeaZfDlq
— Ather Kazmi (@2Kazmi) May 9, 2022
Crisis in Punjab
It seems like the current point of contention between PTI-backed President Dr. Arif Alvi and the PML-N Government is the removal of Punjab Governor Omar Cheema.
To clarify, last week, the government sent a summary for the removal of Omar Cheema. It also nominated Baligh-ur-Rehman as the next governor. However, President Dr. Arif Alvi Monday strongly rejected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s advice to remove Governor Punjab Omar Sarfaraz Cheema from office.
According to the statement of the President’s Secretariat, President Alvi has conveyed to the prime minister that the Punjab governor cannot be removed without his approval.
Read more: Governor Cheema not acting according to law: LHC
Furthermore, the statement added that the incumbent governor could not be removed as there was neither any allegation of misconduct nor conviction by any court of law or of any act committed by him contrary to the Constitution of Pakistan.
موجودہ گورنر پر نہ تو بدانتظامی کا کوئی الزام ہے اور نہ ہی کسی عدالت کی طرف سے سزا ہوئی، صدر مملکت
موجودہ گورنر پنجاب نے نہ ہی آئین کے خلاف کوئی کام کیا، ہٹایا نہیں جا سکتا، صدر مملکت
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 9, 2022
On the other hand, in contrast, the PML-N government denotified Omar Cheema as the Punjab governor. According to the latest reports, Punjab Police is not letting him enter the Governor House.
Pertinent to mention, PML-N government is charged against Omar Cheema as he has been giving quite a tough time in Punjab. The governor had triggered a constitutional crisis after he refused to administer the oath to Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz.
Moreover, he also “rejected” the resignation of Usman Buzdar as the Chief Minister of Punjab. Not holding back, last week, Omar Cheema said that he would arrest CM Punjab Hamza Shehbaz Sharif.
Read more: Governor of Punjab orders Usman Buzdar to continue as CM
Therefore, Punjab is going through deep political turmoil.
PM and Darbaris must read the constitution
I was appointed as Governor who is a team member of the President of Pakistan.
Sicillian Mafia first held the Governor house lhr hostage, now all set to attack Governor’s office with unconstitutional summaries and notification. pic.twitter.com/jlhZUGmnWz
— Omar Sarfraz Cheema (@OmarCheemaPTI) May 9, 2022