Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s son takes oath as Punjab CM
The Hindu
Hamza Shehbaz took the oath of Chief Minister of Punjab, the country’s most populous province with 110 million people
Amidst last minute drama, Hamza Shehbaz, son of Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Saturday took the oath of Chief Minister of Punjab, the country’s most populous province with 110 million people.
National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf administered the oath of office to 47-year-old Hamza at the Governor House in Lahore.
Earlier in the morning, Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema rejected the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and restored his Cabinet. He also declared Hamza's election as constitutionally invalid.
Governor Cheema also lodged a strong protest over Punjab police taking over the charge of the Governor House from its security personnel to ensure a smooth oath taking ceremony of Hamza.
As the ceremony was underway, Governor Cheema urged the Chief Justice to take notice of the police occupying the Governor House.
"The drama of a fake Chief Minister's oath has been performed in an unconstitutional manner and the Chief Justice should take note of this," he said, adding that he would also write to President Arif Alvi on this issue.
Soon after the oath taking ceremony, Punjab Chief Secretary notified that Hamza has assumed the charge of the Chief Minister's office.
Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank in Mediterranean, leaving two missing crew members, according to Spanish and Russian authorities.
Syria's new leader consolidates rebel factions under Defence Ministry to prevent clashes, appoints former rebel as defence minister.
American Airlines grounds all U.S. flights due to technical issue, disrupting Christmas Eve travel plans for thousands of passengers.
Gene Spector, a former executive in Russia, faces espionage charges after a previous bribery conviction, receiving a 15-year jail term.
Indian Ocean tsunami 2004: Former Indian Navy Officer Commodore G Prakash reflects on the 2004 Asian tsunami, emphasizing the importance of disaster response and management.
India to provide ₹2,371 million to Sri Lanka for 33 development projects in education, health, and agriculture sectors.
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year regime on August 5, Bangladesh has experienced a sharp rise in mob violence, fabricated cases, robbery, mugging and extortions.
Explosion at Turkish explosives factory kills 12, injures 3; no sabotage suspected, according to CNN Turk.
South Korea's opposition seeks to impeach acting leader Han Duck-soo, deepening political turmoil and neighbourly concerns.
Rosatom defends Rooppur nuclear project against Bangladesh anti-graft commission's allegations, emphasizing transparency and commitment to combat corruption.
President Biden signs defence bill with pay raises, China countermeasures, and objections to transgender medical treatment restrictions.