LAHORE (National Times) – As the political temperature intensified, Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman said on Wednesday Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif would return to the country within one month.

Speaking to senior journalists, Mr Rehman said PML-N senior vice president Maryam Nawaz would return to the country in a week. Talking about the PML-N supremo, Mr Rehman said, “I will be there at the airport to welcome Nawaz Sharif.”

As for the Punjab Assembly’s dissolution, Mr Rehman made the claim, “During the one-on-one meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi, he (Mr Elahi) told me that he is not of the view to dissolve the assembly.” He [Elahi] told me he would persuade PTI chief Imran Khan not to dissolve the assembly.

Speaking on the appointment of the caretaker Punjab chief minister, Mr Rehman stated that he attempted to get the opposition and outgoing Punjab government to agree on the appointment of the chief minister but was unsuccessful. “I held talks with both Parvez Elahi and Malik Ahmed Khan on the election of caretaker Punjab chief minister. But they both rejected each other’s names.”

Sharing his thoughts on the general election, Mr Rehman said the elections should be held on schedule.