Prime Minister Imran Khan held an important meeting with Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar and Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar in Lahore Thursday in which various matters, including the political situation emerging out after tabling no-confidence motion by the opposition and situation in Punjab, were discussed.

Views were exchanged on tackling the opposition’s no-trust motion, ongoing developmental projects and administrative affairs of the province, sources said, adding: “It was decided to address the reservations of the party members.”

It may be noted that the Governor had already requested the PTI leadership to meet Jehangir Khan Tareen and Abdul Aleem Khan to listen to their viewpoint. On the other hand, Jahangir Khan Tareen and Aleem Khan Groups were demanding the removal of CM Usman Buzdar.

The sources claimed that the premier on the occasion said that the government is stable and confident on the political front. He also assured that decisions will be taken after due consultation with all stakeholders.

Moreover, talking to provincial ministers Sardar Asif Nakai and Samsam Bukhari, the premier said that for the first time in the history of the province, development projects were initiated across the province.

“In the past, the development work was restricted to some specific cities, but the PTI government was the first that initiated development works across the province. The development of neglected and underdeveloped cities was the top priority of this government,” he added.

Views were also exchanged on the current political situation in the province. The ministers also briefed the PM regarding working on the development projects in their respective ministries.

Speaker urged to convene NA session on 14th

The National Assembly Secretariat suggested National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser to convene session of the house on March 14 for debating and voting on the no-confidence motion against the prime minister, it is learnt.

According to the sources, the National Assembly Secretariat suggested the speaker National Assembly that three days should be fixed for debating on the no-confidence motion and voting should be held on March 18.

However, the sources said the final decision on the proposal of the National Assembly Secretariat would be taken by Speaker of the National Assembly Qaiser.

The Legal Branch National Assembly said that according to the opposition’s requisition, the speaker can now convene a meeting at any time. It should be noted that according to the rules, the National Assembly session, after requisition, has to be convened within 14 days.

Legal Branch officials further said the National Assembly has to convene and vote on it within three to seven days of the motion of no-confidence being tabled. They said it was not written anywhere in the Constitution that the session will be held in the National Assembly Hall.

The session of the National Assembly can be held in the Senate Hall or any other place, they said.

The story was originally published in Business Recorder on March 11, 2022.