Urges opposition to support govt on electoral reform for transparent elections
Amraiz Khan
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar on Monday declared that as per the court orders, Governor does not have to resign two years prior to contesting general elections.
“I am fulfilling my responsibilities as the Governor and I will take future decision as per the party’s discipline when general elections are announced.
I urge opposition to support the government in transparent elections so that the losing party also accepts the election’ results.”
Governor Chaudhry Sarwar was talking to media after inaugurating a campaign to plant 1,000 trees in collaboration with Dawat-e-Islami at Governor’s House here on Monday.
The Punjab governor said that the religious parties have the right to participate in the general elections.
“The public can elect whoever they want through democratic process but there should be no compromise on democracy.”
Member Dawat-e-Islami Majlis-e-Shoora Haji Yaghfoor, Mohammad Usman Attari, Nadeem Attari, Iqbal Attari and Liaqat Attari were also present at the occasion.
Responding to media questions, he said that he will participate in next elections. The verdicts by Lahore and Peshawar High Courts state that Governor’s Post is not a part of Services of Pakistan so it is not necessary for any Governor to resign from his post two years prior to his tenure’s completion so I will continue to fulfil my responsibilities as the Governor.
Talking about Afghanistan, the Punjab governor said that Pakistan has no role in forming or ousting Afghan government.
Every decision is being taken by Afghan government and Taliban. Pakistan has always been playing role in Afghan Peace process and we hope that Taliban will play their role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
To another question, he said that they are inviting opposition to ensure transparency in elections but opposition’s attitude is not democratic.
Opposition should negotiate with government on elections reforms so that it can be made transparent and no one can point fingers at it.
As far as religious parties are concerned, it is up to people who they elect. Be it Maulana Fazlur Rehman or any other religious party leader, they can only be elected through public’s votes.
Ch Sarwar appreciated Dawate-Islami leadership who planted 1,000 saplings in Governor House and appreciated them on planting almost 2.6 million saplings across Pakistan.
He also urged all Pakistanis to participate in the plantation drive to realize the dream of clean and green Pakistan.
