LAHORE: Interim chief minister of Punjab Dr Hasan Askari on Saturday said that his top priority is to make elections free and fair.
Askari was nominated as the province’s interim chief minister by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after a parliamentary committee had failed to reach a consensus over the proposed candidates by members of the then-government and opposition. He was sworn-in on June 8.
Caretaker chief minister Punjab Dr Hasan Askari said on Saturday that his primary responsibility is to ensure that elections are free and fair.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had nominated Askari for the post after a parliamentary committee could not reach agreement on the proposed candidate list.
Askari was sworn into office on June 8.
“It is the responsibility of the interim governments to facilitate the election process,” said Askari on Saturday morning.
With regards to the objections raised over his appointment at the post, Askari said that he will ensure that the performance of interim government assuages the concerns. He explained that he never had a political agenda, and does not not have it now either.
In response to a question, Askari said that he would have a ‘small and unbiased’ cabinet.
