Punjab CM, opposition leader agree upon Nasir Saeed Khosa as caretaker CM

LAHORE: Opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed called on Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here at Chief Minister's Office Monday.

Both agreed to nominate a consensus caretaker chief minister and announced Nasir Saeed Khosa as caretaker Chief Minister Punjab.

Talking on the occasion, the chief minister said, name of Nasir Saeed Khosa had been agreed upon after consultation with the opposition leader Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed. "Some names were suggested during the earlier meeting and we have consulted our party leadership afterwards. After the consultations, we have agreed on one name and this democratic harmony is the beauty of democratic system," he added.

He said Nasir Khosa had performed his duties with utmost honesty and hard work during his service career and he was hopeful that Mr. Khosa would come up to the expectations of masses.

He hoped that Nasir Khosa would utilize his diverse experience and professional abilities for holding transparent elections so that the political parties could independently take part in the elections and everybody could have same opportunities in the election process. "It is hoped that people will be at liberty to give votes to the parties of their choice and democratic process will be continued. It is the victory of the people and I am thankful to Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed as the consultation process gives impetus to the democracy," he added.

Opposition leader Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed said second meeting with Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif had proved fruitful and after considering different names and discussion with the PTI leader Imran Khan, they had agreed on the name of Nasir Saeed Khosa. "I am hopeful that he shall play his role most objectively with regard to holding of free, fare and transparent elections. I also extend congratulations to the people of Punjab," he further said.