Discussion for caretaker govt to commence in March

After initial discussions, N-League will consider Pakistan Peoples Party's nomination for caretaking PM

KARACHI: Discussion for caretaker government setup will commence after Senate elections on March 2.

According to strategy finalised by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will start consulting leaders of parliamentary parties from the last week of March.

According to reports, however, these contacts will only be customary and decision for caretaker prime minister and National Assembly will be taken after proper agreement with leader of the opposition so as to avoid confrontation with parliamentary committee and the Election Commission.



Reports suggest that the prime minister will finalize the decision for caretaker premier in the last week of May. "The prime minister will try to develop consensus for caretaker PM before or immediately following the end of term of the current government," sources said.

“N-League is looking for a candidate who can work smoothly with the election commission in holding elections on time avoiding any incidence of a nationalist or a technocratic government”.

According to sources within PML -N, party chairman and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is continuously engaging with top leaders for formulating party strategies and responses related to political situation of the country, including matters related to Senate elections, protests of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and other opposition parties and nominations for caretaking government and premiership.



Nawaz Sharif has tasked Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to begin negotiations for the new setup immediately after Senate elections so that the transition takes place smoothly before the end of the current regime.

“About three to four names are being considered for the slot of caretaker PM” the sources reveal, “profiles of several retired judges, bureaucrats and other personalities are being scrutinised with the view to determine the best person for the job. Consideration is given to names on which the opposition will agree”

The government wants to finalize decision for caretaker setup by developing consensus between current prime minister and leader of the opposition. After initial discussions, N-League leadership will consider Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) nomination for the caretaking PM given it does not tender resignations in support of ongoing Pakistan Awami Tehreek’s protests and continues working until Senate elections.

However, PML-N will take all circumstances into account before taking such a decision. Leading sources in government said that major national policies set by the current regime will uphold in the interim setup as well, including stance against ‘Do more’ as well as other affairs related to Pakistan’s foreign policy for the United States.

The caretaker PM will ensure implementation of measures for CPEC, terrorism, Karachi Operation, Balochistan Peace Programme and National Action Plan.

Policies related to foreign relations, security situation and CPEC will remain intact in government set up after general elections. According to sources, PML-N leaders have started contacting party’s MNAs, MPAs and senators as well as allies and influential ministers in opposition parties, including PPP.

Important PML-N leaders including Raja Zafar ul Haq have been tasked to break political deals with other parties. According to sources, PML-N leadership will not opt for premature dissolution of government in Punjab and the Center.