ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) successfully convinced its allies in the Centre to approve a bill granting additional powers to the caretaker government during a Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms meeting chaired by PML-N’s Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
The discussion revolved around Article 230, which pertains to the functions of a caretaker government.
Initially, the proposed bill granted the caretaker government extensive powers. Which the allied parties opposed, leading to the matter being deferred.
However, after today’s discussion, the PML-N agreed to make minor changes in the bill. Limiting the interim government’s authority to only engage with bilateral donors and multilateral institutions.
Under the new changes, the caretaker regime is granted powers under clause 2A of Section 230. With no authority to enter into new international agreements. The sources clarified that the caretaker setup can utilize its powers in ongoing programs.
The revised bill has now been presented in the joint session of parliament for approval. Before it was laid in the house, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Ali Zafar emphasized his demand that the house reject the said clause as it was unsustainable.
PTI’s Zafar warned that if not rejected, the Supreme Court would likely dismiss it, as he believed the “dilution” made to the bill was inadequate, deeming it “unconstitutional and illegal.”
However, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar expressed surprise at the reactions from some political leaders. And others regarding the proposal to nominate him for the caretaker prime minister position in Pakistan.
He said that he would accept whatever decision the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership makes regarding the caretaker prime minister role.
