LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has refused to assume the charge of the acting governor of Punjab, a move that has further deepened the constitutional crisis in the province.

After removing Omar Sarfraz Cheema from the post, the government notified Elahi as the acting governor until PML-N’s candidate Baligh-ur-Rehman takes oath.

Bol News reported that the staff of the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday visited Elahi’s house to obtain his signatures on the summary. However, PML-Q spokesperson said the staff was sent back. He said, “Who will go to the Governor House in the manner the police are deployed there?”

Read more: Governor Punjab Omar Sarfraz Cheema removed, notification issued

Notably, if Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi assumes the charge then Deputy Speaker Dost Mazari will automatically become the speaker.

If this happens, Mazari, who had defected from PTI and conducted the chief minister’s election, will administer the oaths to Hamza Shehbaz’s cabinet members; which has so far not happened due to legal impediments triggered by the governor and the speaker.

While talking to Bol News, legal experts explained that according to the constitution and law; the speaker cannot refuse to become acting governor adding that under the constitution, the post of governor cannot remain vacant.

Meanwhile, Federal Law Minister Nazir Tarar said there was no constitutional crisis in Punjab and the appointment of a governor was the prerogative of the prime minister.

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