ISLAMABAD, 7 June 2008 — Pakistan Muslim League (N) President Shahbaz Sharif yesterday took the oath as a member of the Punjab Assembly. Sharif, who is the younger brother of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was administered the oath by the speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Rana Muhammad Iqbal.
Shahbaz is likely to take over as the chief minister of Punjab province as early as today. He will replace Dost Muhammad Khosa.
Talking to reporters outside the assembly before taking oath, Shahbaz said the top priority of his administration would be the restoration of the judiciary. He vowed to continue the “good work done” by Khosa. Shahbaz said his government would maintain relationship with the presidency within the constitutional framework.
A two-member bench of the Supreme Court yesterday issued notices to Shahbaz and other respondents in connection with a petition challenging the validity of Shahbaz’ election.
In his petition, Syed Khurram Shah has asked for a temporary restraint on the Election Commission’s order proclaiming Shahbaz’ election and his taking oath as a member of the assembly.
While issuing notices, the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Moosa K. Leghari and Farrukh Mahmood rejected the request for a stay order against the operation of the order of the Lahore High Court.
