Sadiq Sanjrani also emerges as a strong candidate
ISLAMABAD: Opposition leader Raja Riaz today gave three names to prime minister Shehbaz Sharif for the selection of a caretaker premier. Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Senate, is also among the three candidates whose names were shared by Raja Riaz with PM Shehbaz on Thursday.
According to sources, Sadiq Sanjrani is a strong candidate for the caretaker prime minister. Being Chairman of the Senate, Sanjrani has successfully run the Upper House. He did not create problems for any party in the Senate.
Thus Sadiq Sanjrani appears a more suitable candidate than others as he has good experience dealing with leaders of different parties and Senators as well.
On Thursday, PM Shehbaz Sharif and the Opposition leader Raja Riaz held the first meeting. They discussed the names of the candidates to select one of them as caretaker PM.
According to Raja Riaz, they will hold another meeting on Friday that may lead to a breakthrough in the selection of the caretaker premier.
Raja Riaz is unlikely to accept the prime minister’s candidate as the caretaker prime minister, sources added.
Departing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz, have reached a consensus to keep the names deliberated for the caretaker prime minister confidential. From these names, one individual will supervise an anticipated general election scheduled for this year.
Outgoing PM Shehbaz Sharif and Raja Riaz, have decided that they will not reveal the names discussed for the caretaker prime minister. This year, either Shehbaz Sharif or Raja Riaz will be overseeing the general election.
PM Shehbaz Sharif and Raja Riaz held first meeting on Thursday.
“It has been agreed with the prime minister that names will not be disclosed,” Raja Riaz said after meeting PM Shehbaz.
Political Transition and Constitutional requirement in Pakistan
As per constitutional norms, the outgoing PM and the leader of the opposition put forth three names each for the selection of the caretaker prime minister.
The consultation process can last up to three days.
If the PM and Opposition leader find it difficult to select a candidate, they will refer the matter to a parliamentary committee. And if the committee also fails to find a suitable candidate, the Election Commission of Pakistan will take the ultimate decision.
After holding a meeting, Raja Riaz said that the consultation with the prime minister took place in a positive atmosphere. He, nonetheless, clarified that they did not finalize a name for the caretaker prime minister on Thursday.
He said, “We will select the right candidate in Friday’s meeting.”
