Dr Hasan Askari's name has been announced as caretaker chief minister of Punjab and the PML-N is not having it.

The party has accused the PTI nominee of being partial against them, with the likes of party stalwart and former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi saying that he doesn't expect fair polls under Askari.

"His [Askari's] impartiality and views against PML-N leadership are known to everyone. In the presence of Mr Askari as caretaker chief minister, elections on July 25 will not be fair and transparent." — Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

Other PML-N bigwigs like Saad Rafique and Ahsan Iqbal have also expressed reservations about Dr Askari's appointment.

Are these concerns valid? The election commission doesn't think so and says the process was followed up to a tee, all ECP members on board and everything. Askari himself brushed aside the reservations saying he has "no political agenda".

The ANP is also unhappy with this nomination, with Zahid Khan making a sarcastic comment saying the commission may as well have posted PTI Information Sec to the office.

On the other hand, PPP and MMA are telling PML-N to accept Dr Askari’s nomination as they feel it followed due process.

Dr Askari takes oath today, amid the rumble, so stay tuned for more.

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...