Prof Dr Hassan Askari Rizvi on Friday took oath as the Punjab caretaker chief minister in a ceremony held here at the Governor House. Punjab Governor Muhammad Rafique Rajwana administered oath to Dr Askari, whose name for the provincial caretaker CM was finalised by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) amid objections raised by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders.
The outgoing Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif did not attend the ceremony due to his illness. However, Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal, senior officials attended the ceremony. Prof Hassan Askari Rizvi also held a meeting with the Punjab governor to discuss matters of mutual interest as well as upcoming general elections.
Dr Askari on the occasion exchanged views about his role as caretaker CM. The sources claimed that Prof Askari told the governor that he would fulfill his constitutional obligation and ensure free and fair elections.
A smartly turned contingent of the police presented him the guard of honor.
Later, he held meetings with officers and other staff members at the Chief Minister's Office. Askari issued directions to authorities for giving him presentation about the provincial departments, sources said. Prof Dr Hassan Askari Rizvi in a statement said that holding of free and fair elections is the top priority and the responsibility of transparent elections will be fulfilled.
He said that provision of a level playing field to all will be ensured and the administration will play its role in an impartial manner. He said that his mandate is to hold the transparent elections and he will perform this obligation as a duty.
Prof Askari further said all the necessary resources will be utilized for holding the general elections in a peaceful and transparent manner. "I know my obligations and every sort of effort will be put in to perform the duty in the best of manner," he added.
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