PML-N to bring ‘Remove Taseer’ resolution in Punjab Assembly over ‘vanishing act’

LAHORE - The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) has decided to introduce a resolution, seeking the removal of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer in the Punjab Assembly, for his alleged misconduct and violation of the Constitution.

Taseer had reportedly proceeded abroad quietly, without informing the president.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah told The Nation that his party would move the resolution during next session of the Punjab Assembly.

He expressed confidence that the resolution would be passed with a majority vote, as Assembly members belonging to all political parties were annoyed with the governor for his unconstitutional act.

Quoting Article 104 of the Constitution, Sanaullah said the governor is bound to inform the president about his absence from the country so that the speaker of the provincial assembly can take charge of the office, which cannot be left vacant even for a moment.

The Punjab government has so far not been able to prove Taseer’s alleged misconduct with documentary evidence.

On Wednesday, the whereabouts of Taseer became a subject of wild speculation in Punjab after sources in the provincial government revealed that he had been ‘missing from the system for the past 72 hours’.

Speaking on the floor of the Assembly, Law Minister Rana Sanaullah claimed that the “governor had slipped to Dubai, and was on his way back because the media had noted his absence and the related constitutional questions”.

However, a spokesperson for the Governor’s House was quick to deny the minister’s claim, saying, “The Governor is on a private visit to Sukkur, and will return to Lahore on Wednesday evening after a short stay in Karachi.”

But Sanaullah reiterated his claim, saying that he had checked with the District Coordination Officer (DCO) of Sukkur, who had expressed ignorance about the presence of Taseer in his district. (ANI)