ISLAMABAD– Following the disqualification of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif, President Asif Zardari has imposed Governor rule in Punjab thus relieving the disqualified chief minister and his entire cabinet of their duties for two months starting from February 25, 2009.
A proclamation issued from the Presidency reads that President Zardari after consulting the prime minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani and Governor Punjab Salman Taseer has ordered that: “an unprecedented and unique constitutional void has been created in the province consequent upon the decision of the honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan on 25 February 2009 in the matter of disqualification/unseating of Mian Shahbaz Sharif as member of provincial assembly.”
The order further reads that “Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 234 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I (Asif Zardari) hereby (a) direct the governor of Punjab to assume on my behalf the functions of the Government of that province. (b) Make the following incidental and consequential provision which appear to be necessary or desirable for giving effect to the objects of the proclamation: (i) The chief minister and the provincial ministers of that province shall forthwith cease to hold office; (ii) in the exercise of the functions which the Governor has been directed to assume hereinbefore stated, the Giovernor shall act to such extent, from time to time, deem fit to give or impose.” The proclamation reads that it would remain in force for a period of two months unless revoked earlier.