Says it has removed all apprehensions regarding a delay in general elections
Islamabad (Pakistan Point News – 28th May, 2018) Justice (r) Nasir-ul-Mulk has been appointed as the interim prime minister of the country.
This was announced in a press conference held by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Oppositon Leader Khurshid Shah in Islamabad on Monday.
Commenting on this, journalist Hamid Mir said that the announcement of the name of caretaker prime minister is a proof that general elections will take place on time.
He termed the end of deadlock between government and opposition over the name of caretaker prime minister a good sign and said that this has removed all apprehensions regarding a delay in general elections.
Above all, he said, a consensus has been reached between government and opposition leader and no unpleasant situation was created. The credit for this goes to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Oppositon Leader Khurshid Shah and they deserve it.
He however said it has not been clarified why it took so long to decide the name of caretaker prime minister.
“After the amendment in Elections Act in 2017, the Election Commission has greater authority while the caretaker prime minister and his cabinet would not have many powers. Nonetheless, I would still want to congratulate everyone on the announcement of this name,” Mir said.
The prime minister and opposition leader held several meetings to decide the name of caretaker prime minister and the final announcement in this regard was made today, bringing an end to the deadlock.
The incumbent government will complete its term on May 31. Following this, a caretaker set-up will take place which will be responsible to hold the next general elections.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced holding general elections on July 25.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz had suggested three Names to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for caretaker prime minister. These included Justice (r) Nasir-ul-Mulk, Justice (r) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani and former State Bank governor Ishrat Hussain.
The names suggested by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf included Tassaduq Hussain Jillani and Ishrat Hussain while the PPP had suggested the names of Jalil Abbas Jilani and Zaka Ashraf for caretaker prime minister.
Justice (r) Nasir-ul-Mulk had served as the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan. He was nominated as the chief justice by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2014. He also served as the acting Chief Election Commissioner from November 30, 2013 to July 6, 2014.
