As the race for interim PM escalates in Pakistan, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that the ruling alliance, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have shortlisted five politicians for the post.
The country’s cash-strapped ruling regime will step down from office next month, making way for a caretaker government until the next general election.
Amid speculation that the country’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was the top contender for the office, Asif made it clear that he was not offered a slot. He revealed, “The PPP and the PML-N together have finalized four to five names which will be discussed with other parties,” adding that a name would be decided upon within a week. Emphasizing his personal opinion, Asif suggested that elections should be held in 90 days instead of the usual 60-day mark.
Key Decisions and Power Plays Unfold in Pakistan’s Interim PM Selection Process
The battle for the interim PM intensifies as PML-N and PPP face a split over Dar’s nomination. As per the country’s election laws, the general election takes place within 60 days if the interim house completes its constitutional tenure, and after 90 days if the government dissolves before completing the tenure. PM Shehbaz Sharif hinted at an early exit, saying, “Next month our government will complete its tenure, [but] we will leave before the completion of our tenure and an interim government will come in.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistani Defence Minister distanced himself from Ishaq Dar, and the five names of caretaker PM contenders have been shared with PPP. PM Shehbaz will make the final pick after consulting JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman. According to the country’s constitution, both Sharif and the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Raja Riaz Ahmad will propose their picks to the assembly.
The assembly will then decide on one name after consultation. A recent amendment to the Election Act of 2017 has given more powers to the country’s caretaker government, making the office of the interim PM more crucial than ever before. Pakistan is witnessing a moment of political tension and democracy in action as the future leaders are put to the test in this leadership race.