ISLAMABAD: Amidst the ongoing speculation regarding potential candidates for the esteemed position of caretaker prime minister, former finance minister Senator Ishaq Dar asserted that there exists no legal impediment preventing a senator from assuming the role of caretaker PM.
Dar’s comments followed closely after President Arif Alvi instructed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and outgoing Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz, to propose a name for the interim premier’s appointment by tomorrow (Saturday).
Following the initial round of consultations on the matter of the caretaker prime minister, held yesterday, PM Shehbaz and the opposition leader were unable to reach a consensus on a candidate and have yet to disclose the individuals being considered for the role. A subsequent round of consultations on the issue is scheduled for today in Islamabad.
It’s worth mentioning that three names have been put forth, including two nominations — former diplomat Jalil Abbas Jilani and former Chief Justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jilani — proposed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, nominated by Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).
However, the PML-N has not publicly announced its stance on this matter.
Reports indicate that the names of Ishaq Dar, former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and former caretaker Prime Minister Mohammad Mian Soomro are also being considered for the role.
Last month, in response to reports suggesting that the PML-N and PPP had reached an agreement on Dar’s selection as caretaker premier, former federal minister for climate change Sherry Rehman dismissed the claims, stating that “a person was crowned as caretaker prime minister via fake news.”
Senator Ishaq Dar interaction with journalists
During an informal interaction with journalists in the Senate, Dar addressed the question of caretaker CM and expressed his belief that when Allah chooses a person for any task, no one can impede it.
Dar, a prominent figure within the PML-N, noted that he had not actively sought the finance ministry for a fourth term, yet by the grace of Allah, he was appointed to the position after a five-year interval. He emphasized that there are no legal obstacles for a senator to assume the role of a caretaker minister or CM.
In response to another query concerning the Supreme Court’s verdict regarding the “Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023,” Dar mentioned that they would formulate their political and legal strategy following consultations with legal experts.
Regarding the upcoming elections, Dar indicated that they would be based on the 2023 digital census. He clarified that the Constitution does not mandate holding general elections prior to the Senate polls, which are scheduled for March 2024.
