Ayesha Gulalai and Shabbar Zaidi are among those expected to join the interim cabinet.
ISLAMABAD: 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.
“It has been agreed with the prime minister that names will not be disclosed,” Riaz said after meeting PM Shehbaz. “Cannot say anything about the names under consideration. We have to deliberate on the names within three days.”
Political Transition and Constitutional Shifts in Pakistan
As per constitutional norms and tradition, the outgoing prime minister and the leader of the opposition put forth three names each for the caretaker prime minister role.
The consultation process can extend for up to three days, constituting the maximum duration.
According to the Constitution, they must finalize a caretaker prime minister within three days. If they are unable to do so, they will refer the matter to a parliamentary committee. If the committee fails to reach a decision, the Election Commission of Pakistan will make the final call.
Riaz, who arrived at the PM House in the afternoon as both sides commenced discussions about appointing an interim leader, previously stated that he intended to nominate three individuals for the position.
Riaz emphasized that the consultation with the prime minister took place in a “positive atmosphere.” The leader of the opposition clarified that they have not yet finalized a name for the caretaker prime minister.
He mentioned, “Neither the prime minister nor I were aware of each other’s choices. Hopefully, we will reach an agreement on the names within a day or two. Shahbaz Sharif will make the decision based on merit.”
On Wednesday, they dissolved the lower house of Parliament, three days prior to the scheduled end of its five-year term on Aug 12.
The country, boasting a population of 241 million, is slated to hold a general election within 90 days. However, this timeline could be extended by several months if the country’s top electoral authority requires additional time to redraw constituency boundaries using new census data recently approved by the Council of Common Interests.
Despite the CCI’s decision, numerous leaders within the ruling alliance have advocated for holding elections as per schedule.
The coalition government’s parliamentary tenure, established after the ousting of then-prime minister Imran Khan through a vote of no-confidence, came to an end on Wednesday.
Imran Khan’s involvement in months of political turmoil post-removal has raised stability concerns. As a result of his imprisonment due to a corruption case, he is now ineligible to participate in elections for a span of five years.
IMF willing to collaborate with caretaker setup
Sources have revealed that Pakistan has briefed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the extension of the caretaker setup and the global loan lender has indicated its willingness to collaborate. Furthermore, deliberations are ongoing regarding key ministries in the interim government.
They are contemplating the inclusion of Sultan Allana, Shabbar Zaidi, Tariq Bajwa, and Dr. Ashfaq in the caretaker arrangement.
For the roles of economic affairs and commerce ministries, the names of Muhammad Mian Soomro and Ejaz Gohar are currently under review.
Simultaneously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is actively soliciting suggestions for the caretaker government from the alliance. He composed a letter to the President of Pakistan Muslim League-Q, Chaudhary Shujaat.
Chaudhary Shujaat has responded by providing five names to Premier Shehbaz. These names include Ghulam Mustafa Malik, Dr. Amjad, Ayesha Gulalai, Chaudhry Ansar, and Dr. Irfan.
