——- Defence Minister says government has shortlisted politicians for caretaker setup
——- Claims five names shortlisted for caretaker PM slot
——- Expects to announce name of caretaker PM within a week
By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif reveals that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have shortlisted five names for the slot of caretaker prime minister.
In a statement, the PML-N stalwart confirmed that all the shortlisted candidates were politicians. He also clarified that he had not received any offer to lead the interim setup.
Asif said the names of the candidates would also be discussed with other political parties and hoped that a name would be finalised within a week. He announced that the final decision would be taken by the leadership of the coalition partners.
“In my opinion, elections should be held in 90 days as it suits us,” he said while talking about the prevailing political situation in the country. He also hinted at premature dissolution of the National Assembly, saying: “I thing assemblies will be dissolved two days before their tenue ends”.
“It would have been very difficult if the field in the assembly had been left vacant,” he said. The defence minister also rubbished the reports that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s name had been recommended for the post of the caretaker prime minister. He said Mr Dar had never expressed such intention at any forum.
Talking about his statement that PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari was not a trustworthy person, he said it was his opinion, adding: “I am still cautious about him”. Earlier, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Faisal Karim Kundi said on Thursday the PPP and the PML-N had exchanged five nominees each for the slot of interim prime minister.
Talking to the media, he said the PML-N brought the bill directly to the parliament, adding that the PPP was not taken into confidence which led PPP leader Raza Rabbani to walk out in protest. “The PPP is not in favour of giving extensive powers to interim setup,” he added.
Minister of state for poverty alleviation said it was the only responsibility of caretaker government to hold elections, adding that the caretaker PM would be chosen after due consultation. “Law binds PM Shehbaz to consult opposition leader in the NA Raja Riaz,” he added.
He went on to say that PM Shehbaz should release funds as briskly as he inaugurated project in DI Khan.
