PPP nominations come as part of a power-sharing deal in the government

In a significant move reflecting the ongoing power-sharing dynamics in Pakistan’s government, Saleem Haider Khan and Faisal Karim Kundi have been nominated as governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, respectively.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a coalition partner in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, announced the nominations as part of their alliance with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

This alliance emerged following the national election on February 8, which failed to produce a clear winner. As per the agreement, the PPP supported Sharif for the prime minister’s office in exchange for key constitutional positions.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed his congratulations to Khan and Kundi, affirming his confidence in their ability to fulfill their duties effectively.

In Pakistan, governors are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister and represent the state in their respective provinces. While these positions may appear ceremonial, they hold significant constitutional importance.

The nomination of Saleem Haider Khan and Faisal Karim Kundi marks a transition from the current governors, Balighur Rehman in Punjab and Hajji Ghulam Ali in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Following the nominations, Bhutto-Zardari met with Prime Minister Sharif in Islamabad to discuss the political landscape and matters of national interest.

Meanwhile, in Canada, a development with diplomatic ramifications unfolded as Canadian police made arrests in connection with the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver last year.

Nijjar’s murder had triggered a serious diplomatic crisis between Canada and India, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hinting at Indian government involvement.

Three Indian nationals, aged between 22 and 28, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy charges. The suspects, accused of being the shooter, driver, and lookout during Nijjar’s killing, were apprehended in Edmonton, Alberta.

Nijjar, a Canadian citizen since 2015, advocated for Khalistan, a separate Sikh state. He was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism.

Trudeau’s assertion of credible allegations linking Indian intelligence to Nijjar’s murder led to diplomatic tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi.

The investigation continues to explore the suspects’ ties, if any, to the Indian government, indicating a significant development in a case that strained international relations.