PML-N’s Hamza Shahbaz to take oath as CM Punjab today

LAHORE: The ruling PML-N’s Hamza Shahbaz will take oath as the chief minister of Punjab today (Sunday) at Governor House in Lahore after winning the election for the coveted slot by securing 197 votes a day earlier.

Hamza Shahbaz’s oath-taking ceremony will be held at Governor House at 8pm. However, it is not confirmed yet whether PTI-backed Punjab Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema will administer the oath to Hamza Shahbaz or not.

Meanwhile, Governor House has received a notification from the Deputy Speaker’s Office about the success of Hamza Shahbaz for the CM’s post.

In its notification, the Punjab Assembly deputy speaker asked the provincial governor to issue a notification regarding the election of Hamza Shahbaz as CM Punjab.

What will happen if governor refuses to administer oath?

As per the law, if the Punjab governor refuses to administer the oath to Hamza Shahbaz, then the speaker Punjab Assembly will be authorized to administer the oath, said sources.

If the provincial assembly speaker also excuses himself from administering the oath, then the president will nominate a competent person for the oath, the sources added.

In this situation, the president can nominate the chief justice of the Lahore High Court for admonishing the oath to the CM-elect.

PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Hamza 

Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N Vice President congratulated Hamza Shahbaz on becoming the chief minister of Punjab.

In his congratulatory message to Hamza on Twitter, PM Shehbaz, who is also Hamza’s father, wrote: “Congratulations Hamza. Work hard [and] serve the people of Punjab with your heart [and] soul!”

“Process of sending this fascist regime home has not been easy, but the tougher challenge is to alleviate the sufferings of people caused due to incompetent, corrupt, [and] violent regime of Niazi [Imran Khan],” he wrote.

Read more: PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz elected Chief Minister Punjab