PML-N rejects the selection of Hassan Askari as caretaker CM

Lahore : PML-N has rejected the selection of Prof Hassan Askari as caretaker CM by ECP as it does not fulfill the criterion of neutrality. PML-N demanded the Election Commission to review its decision. Hassan Askari is not impartial but he has written an article in favour of postponing the elections due to which he has become controversial.

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in a press conference flanked by former Interior Minister Ehsan Iqbal and former Railway Minister Kh Saad Rafique here at Model Town said Hassan Askri is a known as a critic of PML-N & his position vis-a-vis PML-N is clearly biased. He also advocated delay in elections. With his appointment, image of ECP is going to be severely damaged.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that PML N had proposed impartial names for the caretaker Chief Minister, Punjab, to which no one can point finger to them. However, Election Commission by appointing a partial person as Caretaker Chief Minister has created doubts for transparent elections. Under the Constitution the Caretaker Chief Minister should be completely impartial. Whereas hundreds of articles and TV Talk shows of Hassan Askari against PML N leadership are on the record. He is not impartial by any way.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that not only the views of Hassan Askari against PML N leadership are objectionable but his opinion about democracy is also against the Constitution. He is also unfamiliar about the  constitution.

Therefore PML N considers that his nomination has created doubts about the Electoral process which has damaged image of the Electoral process. Therefore Election Commission should review its decision. He said that all political parties of the country want to hold the election on July 25. Holding  on time election is mandatory under the constitution.

The stance of Hassan Askari that holding elections in hot weather is not possible on July 25 is not understandable as the elections have to be contested by the political parties and not Hassan Askari.

In response to a question Shahid Khaqan Abbasi made it clear that PML- N will not leave the electoral field open. Whether the elections are held by alien or human, we will contest the elections at all cost he added. Replying to a question about NAB cases, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that if NAB register hundred cases, it will make no difference for him as his hands are clear.

On this occasion, former interior Minister Ehsan Iqbal said that people will not allow for violating the mandate. If the electoral process was made doubtful, the country will face loss and there will be crises after election. Therefore  transparent and fair elections are in the interest of the country, he added.

On this occasion, Kh. Saad Rafique said it would be better that Prof. Hassan Askari should himself refuse to become the caretaker Chief Minister, Punjab. After the reservations of PML-N, Hassan Askari should not accept the portfolio of Caretaker Chief Minister, Punjab.

PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif also expressed same thoughts in a tweet .