PML-N confirms Dar’s candidacy for interim PM

Party leaders say electoral law being amended for this purpose

ISLAMABAD:

Top leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) confirmed on Sunday about amending the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) law in order to empower the caretaker set-up and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar candidature for the next caretaker prime minister. 

According to sources, the PML-N leaders, including Finance Minister Ishaq Dar himself, have been considering Dar's name for the caretaker premier position. In response to questions about his candidacy, Dar stressed that he did not aspire or lobby for any office and that he had already fulfilled his responsibilities as the finance minister during his political career.

Dar emphasized the importance of not allowing the nation's three-month transition period to be spent solely on day-to-day affairs, noting that such an approach had led to past inefficiencies. He argued that significant decisions, especially concerning the country's economy, needed to be made during the caretaker government's term to ensure a smooth and productive transition.

To facilitate the appointment of the caretaker Prime Minister, the PML-N's plan involves amending Section 230 of the Elections Act 2017, which deals with the authority granted to the interim government. This amendment would empower the caretaker set-up to address urgent economic matters and implement policies necessary to revive the economy.

Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb clarified that the decision-making process would begin with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, who will consult with coalition partners to finalize the caretaker Prime Minister's name. Following this, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will engage with the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, adhering to constitutional procedures.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal stated that if all parties in the ruling alliance, as well as the opposition, agree on Ishaq Dar's candidacy, he could become the next caretaker Prime Minister. However, Iqbal emphasized that other candidates might also be considered for the position. A committee formed to discuss the issue with the allies will be better positioned to comment on the matter.

On the other hand, sources in the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) denied any prior consultation about Ishaq Dar's candidacy as caretaker Prime Minister. PPP secretary information and SAPM Faisal Karim Kundi stated that the idea of making Dar the caretaker premier had not been discussed with the PPP leadership yet, expressing concerns that the appointment might lead to controversy.

The PML-N's proposal to amend Section 230 of the Elections Act 2017 has sparked debates and discussions. The proposed amendments would allow the caretaker government to make significant economic decisions and would grant it more authority in crucial matters. The ruling party aims to introduce these amendments in the National Assembly next week.

According to Section 230, a caretaker government will only perform its functions to attend to day-to-day matters, which are necessary to run the affairs of the government.

It will assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in holding the general elections in accordance with the law and restrict itself to activities that are of routine, non-controversial and urgent nature, in the public interest and can be reversed by a future elected government.

The present law also bars the caretaker government from making major policy decisions, except on urgent matters.

It cannot enter into a major contract or undertaking if it is detrimental to public interest.

Besides, it also cannot enter into major international negotiations with any foreign country or international agency; or sign or ratify any international binding instrument, except in an exceptional case.

The sources said that the proposal was to amend both the sub-sections of Section 230 that dealt with the authority bestowed upon the interim set-up.