Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) quid Nawaz Sharif has achieved a significant milestone in the selection of a caretaker prime minister (PM) as he has finalised the candidate.
This intricate process has now moved into its concluding phases. In a series of extensive consultations, Nawaz Sharif has engaged with prominent political figures, including Asif Ali Zardari and Fazlur Rehman, to deliberate on the appointment of the caretaker prime minister.
Recently, he also held discussions on this critical matter with his younger brother and current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Subsequent to these consultations, Nawaz Sharif presented a list of three names to PM Shahbaz Sharif. Nevertheless, he directed that the chosen candidate’s identity should remain confidential until a meeting with opposition leaders is convened.
The upcoming step in this process entails Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s rendezvous with the opposition leader in the next 36 hours. Should a consensus be reached during this meeting, the announcement of the caretaker prime minister will follow suit.
However, in the event that consensus proves unattainable, the suggested names will be submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for their consideration and eventual selection.
It’s worth noting that even after the dissolution of the assembly, Shahbaz Sharif will continue to fulfill the role of prime minister until a consensus is established regarding the caretaker prime minister. His tenure will persist until the ECP officially declares the chosen candidate for this crucial interim position.
Earlier, during a joint session of the parliament, the PML-N faced opposition to their move seeking ‘unbridled powers’ for caretakers. The ruling coalition members, including the PPP, JUI-F, and rival PTI, challenged the controversial clause of the Election (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
