PPP chairman says Zardari to finalise names for governors after becoming president

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has come down hard on President Arif Alvi for not summoning the inaugural session of the National Assembly as mandated by the Constitution, saying the latter is not doing his duty, and a case will be filed against him for violating the Constitution.

The statement came a day after Alvi again struck a defiant posture as he returned a caretaker government’s summary for convening the inaugural session of the National Assembly, prompting Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf to call the maiden sitting of the lower house of parliament on February 29.

Alvi, whose presidency is coming to a conclusion within a few weeks, emphasised that he would only approve the summary if the issue of reserved seats for women and minorities was resolved and distributed among the parties, as per law.

Renowned constitutional experts as well as those who keenly observe the parliamentary activities have already conveyed in unequivocal terms that the president was constitutionally bound to summon the assembly session under Article 91(2) within 21 days from the day of holding the general elections.

Addressing the media in Islamabad on Tuesday, Bilawal maintained that this delay would not hinder the government formation process, as the NA speaker would ensure compliance with constitutional norms.

The PPP chairman also outlined his plans for the appointment of governors after his father Asif Ali Zardari assumes the presidency, asserting that once elected as president, Zardari would exercise his authority to appoint governors for all provinces.

Bilawal stated, “No decision has been taken regarding the governors at this point, but after Zardari’s election as president, he will have the authority to appoint governors for all provinces.”

He highlighted the importance of the upcoming presidential election and its subsequent impact on key administrative positions.

Commenting on the political landscape, Bilawal expressed his observations regarding the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and its stance on Shehbaz Sharif becoming the prime minister. He claimed that the SIC did not seek his vote nor attempted to convince him, suggesting that they are paving the way for Shehbaz to assume the premiership. “Shehbaz Sharif will become the prime minister only because of the Sunni Ittehad Council,” Bilawal asserted.

Responding to a question about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Bilawal accused the party of not admitting its mistakes and lacking belief in the Constitution, democracy, or the existing system. He referred to PTI founder Imran Khan, currently in Adiala Jail, as someone who refuses to admit his mistakes.

When asked about his pre-election promises, Bilawal reiterated his commitment to releasing all political prisoners if he was voted into power. However, he clarified that without the mandate, he could only request the new prime minister to take such action.

In a related statement, PPP Information Secretary Shazia Marri clarified that the names being discussed for governors and the chairman of the Senate are not final. She emphasised that the decisions would be made by Asif Ali Zardari after winning the presidential election.

Marri added, “There has been no change in the consensus reached by the political parties, and we will take support from other parties for constitutional posts.” She dismissed the circulating names as rumours and affirmed that shortlisting and final decisions were yet to be made.