ISLAMABAD – According to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have reached an agreement to select a politician for the significant role of caretaker prime minister. They have shortlisted five names for consideration, as reported by The News on Saturday.
Minister Khawaja Asif clarified that he was not offered the caretaker prime minister slot. He revealed that the PPP and PML-N had jointly finalized four to five candidates, and these names would be discussed with other political parties before making a final decision within a week.
He also shared his personal view that elections should be held within 90 days, a timeline that he finds suitable. In his opinion, the assemblies should be dissolved two days before their tenure ends to avoid any difficulties.
Regarding the rumors surrounding Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s possible candidacy for the interim prime minister position, Khawaja Asif denied proposing Dar’s name or expressing any desire for it. He mentioned that Dar himself had never expressed any intention for the position at any forum.
Meanwhile, sources within the PPP confirmed that five names for the caretaker prime minister have been shared with the party.
JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would consult with JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman before finalizing the candidate. The shortlisting process would be carried out by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz Ahmad, in accordance with the Constitution, as the decision would be valid for the final selection.
Opposition Leader Raja Riaz Ahmad, who was previously opposed to Finance Minister Dar’s nomination as caretaker prime minister, now supports the idea. He is expected to meet with the prime minister on Wednesday to discuss the matter.
It remains to be seen whether Ishaq Dar will agree to be the caretaker prime minister and, if so, whether he will resign from party offices and give up his Senate seat. Consultations are also ongoing to determine whether a caretaker can retain membership in the upper House of Parliament.