ISLAMABAD: PM Shehbaz Sharif confirmed his intention to write to President Dr. Arif Alvi on August 9, initiating the dissolution of the National Assembly and thereby ending the incumbent government’s term slightly earlier than mandated.
The government has declared its plan to dissolve the assemblies three days before the stipulated period, paving the way for elections to be held within the next 90 days.
Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz stated, “Tomorrow, after completing our [government’s] term, I will draft and forward [the advice] to the president for the assembly’s dissolution, leading to the formation of an interim government.”
In the meantime, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz, revealed that he had yet to confer with the premier regarding names for the caretaker prime minister. He expressed hope for a meeting on the matter soon, ensuring that discussions would occur at the appropriate time. Riaz also shared that consultations with his allies had concluded, with the three names for the interim prime minister “almost 90 percent finalized.”
name for Caretaker PM
Meanwhile, with only a day remaining before the dissolution of the current National Assembly, the ruling coalition appears to have reached a consensus on the caretaker prime minister’s nomination, yet the identity remains undisclosed to avoid potential controversies.
Even after the assembly dissolution, the prime minister and the opposition leader can consult for an additional three days on this matter. If a consensus is not achieved, the matter is referred to the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Sources indicate that a decision on the caretaker has been settled, although Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah refuted this claim during a TV appearance, asserting that no name had been finalized.
Sanaullah suggested that a non-affiliated politician could also assume the role of caretaker PM.
Amidst speculation that Dr. Hafeez Sheikh might become the caretaker prime minister, Sanaullah denies his name as the agreed-upon choice.
As speculations continue, Dr. Hafeez Sheikh, a former finance minister, emerges as a strong contender. Known as a technocrat accepted by mainstream political parties, he has served in various governments and held the position of finance minister in both the PPP and PTI administrations. Sheikh’s name consistently emerges during interim government transitions in the country, and his extensive experience in government and politics makes him a prominent candidate.
