Text of Prolamation of Governor's Rule in Punjab

‘WHEREAS I, Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on receipt of report from the Governor of the Punjab and other information made available, am satisfied that the situation has arisen in which the Government of the Province of the Punjab cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

‘AND WHEREAS an unprecedented and unique constitutional void has been created in the Province consequent upon the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan on 25 February 2009 in the matter of disqualification/unseating of Mian Shahbaz Sharif as Member of Provincial Assembly.

‘Now, THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 234 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I hereby-

a) ’Direct the Governor of the Punjab to assume on my behalf the functions of the Government of that Province;
b) Make the following incidental and consequential provision which appear to be necessary or desirable for giving effect to the objects of this Proclamation:

i) the Chief Minister and Provincial Ministers of that province shall forthwith cease to hold office;
ii) in the exercise of the functions which the Governor has been directed to assume hereinbefore stated, the Governor shall act to such extent and subject to such conditions as I shall, from time to time, deem fit to give or impose.

‘This Order shall, unless revoked earlier, remain in force for a period of two months.’

Signed
Asif Ali Zardari

President of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan