The Governor of Punjab is the appointed head of state of the provincial government in Punjab, Pakistan. Although the Governor is the head of the province on paper, it is largely a ceremonial position; and the main powers lie with the elected Chief Minister of Punjab and the Chief Secretary of Punjab, the senior-most bureaucrat in the province.
However, throughout the history of Pakistan, the powers of the provincial governors were vastly increased, when the provincial assemblies were dissolved and the administrative role came under direct control of the governors, as in the cases of martial laws of 1958–1972 and 1977–1985, and governor rules of 1999–2002. In the case of Punjab, there was direct governor rule in 1949–1951, when the provincial chief minister of that time was removed and assemblies dissolved.
Powers of Governor
Executive Powers related to appointment, removal , oath taking etc.
Legislative powers related to provincial assembly of Punjab.
Judicial powers related to Lahore High Court or judiciary.
Executive Powers
Governor is ceremonial and appointed head of Province. He is appointed by President on advice of Prime Minister of Pakistan. All executive powers are exercised by Chief Minister and cabinet on his behalf. He is bound to act on the advice of the Chief Minister and cabinet. He serves until removed by the President on the advice of Prime Minister.
Governor is chancellor of public sector universities in Punjab. As chancellor , he appoints Vice Chancellors of public sector universities. He can take action against employees of universities for any unlawful acts.
He appoints provincial ministers on advice of Chief Minister amongst members of provincial assembly of Punjab.
He appoints care taker chief minister after consultation with Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition.
He appoints care-taker cabinet on advice of care-taker chief minister.
This is constitutional obligation of provincial government to kept him inform on all matters of provincial administration and legislative proposals bring before provincial assembly.
He has constitutional authority to invite chief minister to obtain vote of confidence from majiority members of provincial assembly. If he fails he can remove him from post of chief minister. He can exercise this power only when he is satisfied that chief minister has lost confidence of members of provincial assembly.
He appoints Advocate General of Punjab on advice of Chief Minister.
He appoints chairman of Punjab Public Service Commission on advice of Chief Minister.
He can exercise executive powers directly without advice of the chief minister but during governor rule. Governor rule is imposed by President on advice of Prime Minister in emergency situations i.e. financial emergency, constitutional breakdown and when there is threat of war and external aggression.
He take oath from elected and care taker chief minister and members of cabinet
Legislative Powers
All bills passed by provincial assembly of Punjab becomes acts only when assented by Governor or deemed to be assented after passage of certain time according to constitution.
Governor can refuse to sign the bills if he thinks that there is any issue or a bill is not according to constitutional provisions. If the bill is again passed by the provincial assembly with or without amendment, the governor is bound to assent the bill. If he again refuses to sign the bill, it automatically becomes act after passage of certain time, according to the constitution.
The governor can dissolve provincial assembly on advice of chief minister. He can refuse to dissolve the assembly but after 48 hours assembly will be automatically dissolved.
He can also dissolve the provincial assembly in his discretion when no confidence motion against chief minister is successfully passed and no other member of provincial assembly is able to elected as chief minister.
Finance Act which is also passed by provincial assembly is assented by Governor. He can not refuse to sign it because it is money bill.
He has constitutional authority to announce date of general election after dissolution of provincial assembly not later than 90 days.
He can promulgate ordinances when he is satisfies that assembly is not in session on advice of Chief Minister and cabinet.
The reports of auditor general shall be submitted to the governor who shall cause them to be laid to provincial assembly.
Judicial Powers
Chief Justice of Lahore High Court take oath before Governor.
Lahore High Court may have Benches at such other places determined by Governor on advice of cabinet and in consultation with chief justice of Lahore High Court.
The Governor in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court to make rules to provide the following matters, that is to
say,—
(a) assigning the area in relation to which each Bench shall have
exercise jurisdiction vested in the High Court; and
(b) for all incidental, supplemental or consequential matters.
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