[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]As negotiations between the ruling coalition’s partners on the caretaker government continue, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Sunday that an apolitical person or a technocrat could be appointed as interim prime minister.
The minister also hinted that former finance minister Hafeez Shaikh and a former Supreme Court judge had been shortlisted, but that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi were not in the running.
“Names of former finance minister Hafeez Sheikh and a retired Supreme Court judge are among the probables who have been shortlisted,” Mr Sanaullah stated on a Geo News show.
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“Now, a neutral man will become the caretaker prime minister, who will have no political affiliation,” he added.
Mr Sanaullah ruled out Mr Dar being interim prime minister, saying, “When the name of Ishaq Dar was circulating in the media, it was decided at that time that an apolitical person would be chosen as the caretaker prime minister.”
However, the interior minister stated that if it was decided that any political figure may be chosen for the position, the names of Mr Dar, Mr Abbasi, and Raza Rabbani could be considered.
When asked if Hafeez Shaikh was prepared to take on this duty, Mr Sanaullah responded, “Definitely, he must be.”
Mr Sanaullah stated that the name of a retired Supreme Court judge was also among the candidates.
It should be noted that the name of former Pakistani Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jilani has been circulating in the media as one of those being considered as caretaker prime minister.
Fawad Hassan Fawad, former principal secretary to the prime minister; Abdullah Hussain Haroon, former permanent representative to the United Nations; Pir of Pagaro VII, Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi; and former Punjab governor Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood of the PPP are among the other possibles.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has previously stated that he will dissolve the National Assembly on August 9 (Wednesday), three days before the government’s term expires. The decision was supported by all coalition parties, and thus, according to the Constitution, the next general election should take place in 90 days.
Mr Sanaullah stated that the name of the caretaker premier would be revealed on Tuesday (tomorrow).
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A source said PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif would finalise three names, which would be shared with the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz. PM Shehbaz would then select one of those names with Mr Riaz’s approval.
Mr Sanaullah stated that the ratification of the newest census figures on Friday, which might potentially delay polls, was the desire of all political parties and provinces that the upcoming general elections be held in accordance with the new census.
When asked if the November elections may be postponed since constituencies would have to be redrawn under the new census, Mr Sanaullah answered, “Yes, they will be delayed by 120 days, and there will be no harm if the date is extended for a month or two.” There will be no problem if the elections are held in February or March of next year.”
Meanwhile, PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari has been following political developments from his Islamabad house.
PPP leader Faisal Karim Kundi previously told that the party had already provided the prime minister three choices for the caretaker position.
Mr Zardari is scheduled to meet with leaders of other allied parties in the ruling coalition on Monday (today) and Tuesday to select candidates for the caretaker prime minister and other interim cabinet members.
President
Meanwhile, President Arif Alvi’s five-year tenure is slated to finish next month, but he will remain in office until his replacement is elected.
According to Law Minster Azam Nazeer Tarar, the president will maintain his place until a new one is chosen, under the Constitution.
However, in case President Alvi resigns, the Senate chairman would take his place. And if the Senate chairman was also unavailable, the National Assembly speaker would take this slot, the law minister said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
