Lahore (Staff Report): Professor Hassan Askari Rizvi on Friday took oath as interim chief minister of the Punjab.
Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana administered the oath at the Governor’s House.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday announced that Dr. Hassan Askari will take charge as the caretaker chief minister of Punjab.
ECP Additional Secretary Akhtar Nazir made the announcement at a press conference. The ECP nominated the analyst and professor as caretaker Punjab chief minister after a parliamentary committee failed to reach a consensus over the proposed candidates.
Dr Hassan Askari is a Pakistani political scientist and military analyst, noted for his work in comparative politics, nuclear weapons and the country's domestic policy.
The government had suggested Justice (retd) Sair Ali and Admiral (retd) M Zakaullah’s names for the post, while the opposition had suggested names of Ayaz Amir and Dr Hasan Askari.
On Wednesday, the parliamentary committee meeting ended in deadlock after the government and opposition representatives failed to agree on one name.
