The swearing in of Punjab Chief Minister-elect Hamza Shehbaz hit another snag as the hurriedly planned oath-taking ceremony scheduled for 4pm Saturday (today) did not take place with Punjab Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema citing ill-health issues to skip the ceremony.

As per earlier reports, following an order from the Lahore High Court, the president had nominated Senate Chairperson Sadiq Sanjrani to administer the oath to Shehbaz. However, it was later reported that the presidency was yet to nominate anyone for the ceremoy.

The court’s order had also observed that incumbent Punjab governor could not step back from his duty to administer the oath.

In connection with this, a summary was received by the Presidency, Aaj News reported.

“The summary received from the Prime Minister’s Office on 23rd April 2022 regarding order of the Lahore High Court passed with W.P. 24320/2022 dated 22nd April 2022, is under consideration of the Honorable President as per the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” said a tweet from the official account of the president of Pakistan.

It was not immediately clear when a decision would be made but experts say that the swearing in is unlikely to take place for another couple of days. The situation has plunged Pakistan’s biggest province into a constitutional crisis as it has been without a chief executive since Usman Buzdar’s resignation was accepted on April 2.

Later on Saturday, PML-N leader Ataullah Tarrar, in a press conference, said that they would file contempt proceedings against the Punjab governor for not complying with the LHC order.

The swearing in that wasn’t

Earlier, at least 600 guests were reportedly invited to the Punjab Governor House urgently for the ceremony. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was expected to attend along with PML-N office-bearers and bureaucrats.

On April 16, PML-N leader Hamza Shehbaz was elected the chief minister as the PML-Quaid and PTI lawmakers boycotted proceedings in the controversial Punjab Assembly session that was marked by violence and delays.