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

Judicial constraints
Updated 26 Jul, 2024

Judicial constraints

The fact that it is being prescribed by the legislature will be questioned, given the political context.
Macabre spectacle
26 Jul, 2024

Macabre spectacle

Israel knows that regardless of the party that wins the presidency, America’s ‘ironclad’ support for its genocidal endeavours will continue.
Bad measures
Updated 25 Jul, 2024

Bad measures

It is most unfortunate that matters have come to this, and both sides deserve equal blame.
Hamas-Fatah deal
25 Jul, 2024

Hamas-Fatah deal

THE Beijing Declaration signed in the Chinese capital on Tuesday reiterates the need for internal Palestinian unity...
Rating risks
25 Jul, 2024

Rating risks

FINANCE Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s recent discussions with the executives of the two top global credit rating...