LAHORE, Nov 30: Punjab Governor Sardar Latif Khosa reportedly became embarrassed after being lambasted by a PPP leader and Evacuee Trust Property Board chairman Asif Hashmi for participating as chief guest in the Chehlum ceremony of the late PPP chairperson Begum Nusrat Bhutto at the residence of a party worker, Afnan Butt, here on Wednesday.

“I am surprised to see such a fewer number of party workers participating in a ceremony held to offer Quran Khwani and fateha for the late Begum Bhutto. I think that more number of party workers can gather even at union council level,” Mr Hashmi was quoted by Tv channels as having said while addressing the ceremony. Mr Hashmi reportedly went on to add that the governor should first get the number of participants verified prior to participating in such events that could bring disgrace to the party.

Some party workers also tried to convince Hashmi to keep a silence, but he continued lambasting the governor as well as the organisers. After ending his address, Hashmi reportedly walked out as protest. The governor reportedly kept a mum while Mr Hashmi took to the microphone to criticise him.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Hashmi confirmed the remarks he had uttered during his speech. This reporter also tried to contact the governor to seek his comment but he was not available.

Addressing the ceremony, Governor Khosa had appreciated the federal cabinet’s ‘bold’ decision to boycott the Bonn conference and disconnect Nato supplies. He also paid tribute to the late Begum Bhutto for the services she rendered for the party.