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In Punjab, the race for the position of Chief Minister is set to unfold today, with candidates from the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and those supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) competing for the highly sought-after role.
The elections for the Leader of the House in the Punjab Assembly, a closely monitored event, are scheduled for 11 am today. Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, has officially submitted her nomination papers for the chief ministerial position. Meanwhile, Rana Aftab Khan, nominated by the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), is another contender for the top slot in the provincial legislature.
Read more: Nawaz Sharif Designates Shehbaz As PM, Maryam As Punjab CM
Rana Aftab, backed by the PTI, was chosen as the candidate for this significant role after the initial nominee, Mian Aslam Iqbal, faced threats of detention due to previous legal cases. The recent winner of the Punjab Assembly speaker seat is Malik Ahmed Khan.
Expressing concerns, Rana Aftab mentioned the alleged denial of PTI members from attending the assembly session but emphasized that the safety of their workers held greater importance than political positions. Despite the challenges, he conveyed confidence in securing the coveted chief minister seat.
Punjab Police made attempts to arrest the earlier PTI nominee, Mian Aslam Iqbal. PTI Secretary General Hammad Azhar clarified that Imran Khan initially nominated Mian Aslam, but due to the police presence and potential arrest threats, Rana Aftab was ultimately chosen. Azhar claimed that PTI enjoys the support of 212 Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs), contrasting with PML-N’s 40 members.
Mian Aslam Iqbal, who had been granted protective bail in 18 cases related to last year’s riots, faced arrest attempts by Punjab Police. In response, he criticized the actions of the police, citing a lack of adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law.
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