LAHORE, Jan 4: Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana Iqbal Ahmed Khan has assumed the acting charge of governor after the assassination of Salmaan Taseer.

Meanwhile, Federal Law Minister Babar Awan is seen by PPP circles as likely successor to Taseer.

“Taseer had given a tough time to the PML-N, especially the Sharifs. The PPP leadership wants a strong and imposing personality like the late Taseer,” a PPP leader said.

The PML-N had earlier asked the PPP leadership to replace Taseer with Jehangir Badr for his 'cordial relations' with it (the PML-N). Information Minister Qamaruzzaman Kaira is said to be the other potential candidate for the slot.

“We are in a state of mourning and are unable to comment about the appointment of new governor at the moment,” PPP information secretary Fauzia Wahab said.