Caretaker setup to come after constitutional term ends in August: Marriyum

Decisions regarding electoral alliances will be made at an appropriate time, says information minister

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Tuesday revealed that a caretaker government will be established following the end of the current government's constitutional term in August.

The caretaker government will oversee the next general elections in Pakistan. Aurangzeb also stated that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is actively preparing for the elections under the leadership of three time prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Speaking during Meet the Press at the Lahore Press Club, Aurangzeb mentioned that Maryam Nawaz, the chief party organizer, has already commenced election campaigns. The precise election dates will be determined by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and the government will proceed accordingly. Aurangzeb highlighted that decisions regarding electoral alliances will be made at the appropriate time.

Aurangzeb further emphasised the resilience of Nawaz Sharif, stating that those who tried to undermine him have faced their own downfall. She expressed that any individual aspiring to conspire against Nawaz Sharif will ultimately face rejection from the public.

Drawing a parallel, she compared the collapse of the indebted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to a scattering and broken entity.

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Turning her attention to youth programmes, the minister noted that initiatives that were discontinued in the previous term have been reinstated. Aurangzeb acknowledged that the people are weary of division and conflict, emphasising the need to unite and foster progress.

She praised the PML-N for its historical commitment to unity and advancement. Aurangzeb claimed that the foundation laid during the 2013-2018 period has been revived, while criticising those who exploited the Result Transmission System (RTS) to come into power, likening them to a crumbling sand wall.

Regarding prospective alliances for the upcoming elections, Marriyum Aurangzeb clarified that no decision has been made yet. She highlighted the importance of strong public support, stating that nobody can be excluded from politics if they have solid grassroots backing.

She addressed rumors about the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, clarifying that it is not the PML-N's B-team. However, she stated that it is too early to comment on potential alliances, and the PML-N will seek power through public mandate. Aurangzeb expressed her hope for Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan.
In addition, Aurangzeb voiced her concern over the cases of missing persons, including journalist Imran Riaz Khan, deeming such incidents unacceptable.

She assured the public that the government is in contact with relevant officials to address these issues effectively.