In a significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited the outgoing Opposition Leader in the Assembly, Raja Riaz, for a crucial meeting to discuss the appointment of a caretaker premier. This move comes just a day after President Dr Arif Alvi followed the prime minister’s advice and dissolved the National Assembly, setting the stage for upcoming general elections that are expected to occur by November 9.
The Constitutional timeline stipulates 90 days for conducting elections after the dissolution of the assembly before the completion of its regular five-year term. As per the Constitution, the prime minister and the opposition leader have a three-day window following the assembly’s dissolution to finalize the selection of the caretaker prime minister. The matter will be referred to a parliamentary committee should a consensus be reached within this timeframe.
This development underscores the critical juncture at which the country finds itself, marked by political and economic challenges, even as it remains under the umbrella of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program. While the National Assembly’s tenure was initially set to conclude on August 12, the prime minister’s decision to dissolve it three days prior reflects the government’s intention to provide an extra month for election campaign activities.
The anticipation surrounding the appointment of a caretaker prime minister has given rise to various speculations about potential contenders. While Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s name gained prominence as a possible choice for the caretaker premier, several other words have also emerged in discussions. Notably, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has yet to rule out the consideration of Ishaq Dar for this role.
The invitation for consultation extended by the prime minister to the opposition leader holds the potential to bring clarity to this matter. Following their meeting, it is anticipated that a mutually agreeable nominee for the caretaker prime minister position will be unveiled. This selection is of immense significance, as the caretaker premier oversees the electoral process and ensures its fairness.
As the nation stands on the cusp of a pivotal electoral phase, marked by the dissolution of the National Assembly and the forthcoming appointment of a caretaker premier, political stakeholders are closely watching the developments. The transition to the interim phase is a critical step in the democratic process, and the collaborative efforts between the ruling party and the opposition in selecting a caretaker leader underscore the commitment to upholding democratic norms and ensuring a smooth transition.
In the days to come, the eyes of the nation will remain fixed on the outcome of the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and outgoing Opposition Leader Raja Riaz. The deliberations and decisions made in this consultation will impact the immediate electoral proceedings and set the tone for the upcoming general elections, which hold the promise of shaping the country’s trajectory for the years to come.