ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday night, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif initiated the process of dissolving the National Assembly by sending a summary to President Arif Alvi. This step marks the formal start of the procedure for appointing a caretaker government.
The summary submitted by the Prime Minister requires the President’s approval. If President Alvi does not give his assent within 48 hours, the lower house of parliament will stand dissolved automatically, in accordance with Article 58 of the Constitution. This dissolution will also mark the premature end of the current government’s term.
Article 58 of the Constitution states that the President shall dissolve the National Assembly if advised to do so by the Prime Minister. It further specifies that the National Assembly will stand dissolved at the end of 48 hours after the Prime Minister’s advice unless dissolved sooner.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Javed Abbasi confirmed this development, emphasizing that the elected government has successfully completed its constitutional 5-year term. The Prime Minister’s summary also included a request for the formation of an interim government as per Article 224 of the Constitution.
Upon approval of the summary and the establishment of the caretaker government, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs will issue an official notification. This move signifies the transition of power as Pakistan prepares for the next phase of its political process.
