The sources said PML-N will announce its candidates in a joint meeting with the opposition parties PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE:
The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has overhauled its list of candidates for caretaker prime minister – only one name has been retained from the previous list and the remaining five have been dumped, The Express Tribune has learnt.
Meanwhile, two new names have been included in the list.
According to sources privy to the development, the decision was taken in a consultative meeting between PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, his brother Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and other senior party leaders on Thursday to discuss the interim set-up before the upcoming general elections. It came after Nisar briefed the PML-N top brass of his latest meetings on the matter with opposition party leaders inside and outside the assemblies, they added.
The PML-N had earlier circulated a list of seven candidates for caretaker prime minister among opposition parties. It comprised Sardar Ataullah Khan Mengal, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam Zahid, Rasul Bux Palejo, Asma Jahangir, Justice (retd) Shakirullah Jan and the late Qazi Hussain Ahmed.
Following Qazi Hussain’s death, however, the party decided to revamp the list, retaining only Mehmood Khan Achakzai’s name, said the sources. They refused to divulge the names of the candidates on the new list.
According to the sources, Nisar informed the Sharifs during the meeting that he asked the leaders of opposition parties to suggest two candidates each for the post of the caretaker prime minister and chief ministers. The sources said PML-N will announce its candidates in a joint meeting with the opposition parties after receiving their suggestions.
Talking to the media after the meeting, Nisar said opposition parties were in agreement over two points: that their respective leaders will finalise the list of candidates for caretaker prime minister in a formal meeting and that all parties would recommend two names for the caretaker chief ministers.
He maintained that once the interim set-up is put in place, PML-N would demand the replacement of all four governors because of their political affiliations.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2013.
COMMENTS (19)
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asslam o alaikum to all pml n leaders and all friends, i am nadeem from sahiwal punjab pakistan, i love pml n party and party leaders , kindly show the NA 161 pml n strong canidate, this time Ch muhammad ashraf NA 161 is a great party worker and strong canidate in Na 161 area,kindly urgently announce the tickets in our areas , this time i am and my all friends dishard, not show the canidates in sahiwal, all partie canidates working in this time areas, i am waiting your good reply, i shall be very thankful to you for this favor. Nadeem Sajjad ch sahiwal
All those who are pointing fingers on PML-N, one thing for them, no person can be perfect and also no party can be perfect because it is composed of people, do criticize but also appreciate someone if someone is doing something good. I know PML-N is not a 100% perfect party but remember that there is no perfect party anywhere.
I think Mehmood Achakzai is the right choice. I don't think that his party is going to contest the elections. If it is so, then I would love to see a Baloch-Pakhtoon leading the country who is equally respected by all the political parties of Pakistan.
Leave all these, I think the best choice will be Sardar Sherbaz Mazari, if his health permits, he is the companion of Late Nawabzada, Bizanjo, Wali Khan, brother in law of Akbar Bugti and a true democrat.
Leave all these, I think the best choice will be Sardar Sherbaz Mazari, if his health permits, he is the companion of Late Nawabzada, Bizanjo, Walk Khan, brother in law of Akbar Bugti and a true democrat.
@ Pakistani Lover - If you call take a plane full of ministers to US , to apoligse to Bill Clinton and then ask for more aid as mature , then certainly PMLN is mature.
@ Jibran, just to add what 'ufaquarian' has mentioned. Mulana Taqi Usmani served as a judge on the Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan from 1981 to 1982 and the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan between 1982 and 2002. He is an expert in the fields of Islamic Jurisprudence (fiqh), economics and Hadith. He also held a number of positions on the Shariah Boards of prestigious Islamic institutions, and is one of the most influential Islamic authors. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, is a leading scientist and scholar in the field of organic chemistry especially renowned for his research in the various areas relating to natural product chemistry. With over 850 publications in the field of his expertise, he is also credited for reviving the higher education and research practices in Pakistan
These are some world renowned and non controversial personalities and will be good choice if given responsibility for interim period.
PML-N is the most mature political party in Pakistan rising from the ashes of runaway dictator Musharraf. By not being part of any behind-the-scene conspiracy to destabilise the country, PML-N has won the hearts & minds of millions of Pakistanis.
I dream Dr Atta ur Rehman to be Prime miniter of interim setup.....
Lol, can't even imagine Asima jhagir as prime minister
@ Jibran - I pity on you for not knowing Mulana Taqi Usmani or Dr Atta. Mulana Taqi may not have the credentials but Dr. Atta can actually be a very suitable candidate to lead the country for the interim period.
@Adnan: Who is Molana Taqi Usmani? And Dr Atta ur Rehman?... Excuse me?
For caretaker an honest administrator is required not a politician. Any politician will start playing politics once in power, even for a short time. People like Dr. Atta ur Rehman, Molana Taqi Usmani should be considered.
No doubts on the personality of Mehmood Achakzai but I am confused......on one side, PML(N) is demanding removal of Goveroners for their political affiliations but on the other side, they are recommending the name of Chairman of a Political Party (PMAP). I think Mr. Achakzai should refuse like a good democratic leader. It will strengthen his political stature.
Achakzai is the leader of an ethnic political party. This is the worst decision one could make
PMLN is a not a party. Its a tamasha of sorts that irks taxpayers from whom this motley crowd steals money like a grand larceny. I wish they would just disappear.
Mehmood Khan AchakZai as the nominee of the caretaker Prime Minister is the best choice in my view as he has a huge history of supporting democratic norms and PMLN should only support Mahmood Khan as the caretaker prime minster.