Supporters of the PML-N destroy a pro-zardari billboard in Lahore - AP photo.

ISLAMABAD President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday imposed governor rule in Punjab Province for the period of two months making Governor Punjab Salman Taseer the head of provincial set up.

The governor rules was imposed shortly after the decision of Supreme Court which disqualified Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Chief Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif.

'On the advice of the Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, under Article 237 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan the President has imposed Governor Rule in the province of Punjab with immediate effect for a period of two months,' Spokesman for the President Farhatullah Babar said.

A proclamation was issued to this effect under the signatures of the President soon after the Prime Minister Gilani met the President in the Presidency Wednesday evening, he said.

Interestingly, the President did not suspend the provincial assembly, however, the office of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and his cabinet members have been barred from holding their offices.

Following is the text of the proclamation 

'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.'