PPP wants ‘non-partisan’ interim set-up

Capital witnesses stepped up political activity

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI:

The uncertainty over who will take the reins of the caretaker set-up lingered on Monday after the PPP decided to propose a candidate for the coveted post by forming its own consultative committee -- a day after reports indicated a purported proposal for Ishaq Dar from PML-N had stirred misgivings.

Meanwhile, emphatic refutations from leaders of such media reports became audible -- seeking to allay concerns -- almost in tandem with indications that the ruling PML-N may have indeed settled on the name of Ishaq Dar as a contender.

The day saw political parties whirring into action while cobbling together their own panels to discuss the matter in liaison with the ruling PML-N – at a rapid clip.

‘Fake news’

As for its part, the PPP’s three-member panel will comprise former premier Yusuf Raza Gillani, party’s stalwart Syed Khurshid Shah and Naveed Qamar.

It will be entrusted with the task to hammer out details regarding the interim premier as well as cabinet through consultations with all political parties, including PML-N and JUI-F, sources said.

Addressing a news conference, Minister for Climate Change and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Senator Sherry Rehman also refuted any consultations or agreement for the caretaker prime minister’s position, terming all such news “fake”.

Live: PPP Leaders addressing a press conference inIslamabad https://t.co/Y0IqJ4Yewy

— Pakistan Peoples Party - PPP (@PPP_Org) July 24, 2023

She asserted that no decision has been made yet regarding the position. “There is a constitutional procedure in place for the appointment of interim PM. Stability in the country can only be achieved through timely elections and a non-partisan interim government,” she added.

“The PPP’s party position is the same as before — which is our democratic position entrenched in the Constitution — that it’s better if the caretaker government is non-partisan.”

She explained appointing a caretaker premier required a consultative process and involved discussions among multiple parties, as well as the opposition leader.

Rehman said her party had formed a three-member committee for consultation on the caretaker setup. “They will inform the party leadership of the [proposed] names, but no decision has been taken regarding this yet … It should be clear now that we have not settled on a name.”

She went on to reaffirm her party’s stance that elections should be held on time, within the constitutional term, be it 60 days or 90 days.

However, just as both PPP and PML-N asserted that no such discussion had taken place, PDM spokesperson Hafiz Hamdullah hinted at and acknowledged such considerations but said a formal decision in this regard from the PDM was still pending as it was subject to proper deliberations.

He confirmed the formation of an advisory committee to decide the date of dissolution of the assemblies and the nomination of a caretaker prime minister.

“The appointment of the caretaker prime minister will be done through a proper consultation, one party cannot decide,” Hafiz clarified while wincing at the prospects of picking “imported figures such as Dr Hafeez Shaikh and Shaukat Aziz”.

PML-N rejects media reports

The government continued to vehemently deny the reports, reiterating that a formal decision would be announced once the name has been finalised.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif denied the media reports, saying that no such discussion had taken place during party meetings.

Read PML-N confirms Dar’s candidacy for interim PM

“As per my understanding, Dar sahib has not expressed any wish [to become the caretaker prime minister], and nor have we had any such talk in our [party] meetings. There has been no such initiative because we alone do not have to make this decision,” he said in an interview with a private news channel.

Separately, PML-N leader and Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a statement that the appointment of the caretaker prime minister and its announcement would be made in accordance with the procedure detailed in the Constitution.

“The prime minister will take guidance on this from PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and consult allies in the ruling coalition. The prime minister and leader of the opposition will complete this process through consultation, in line with the consultation,” she said.

PML-N, MQM-P form committees

On the other hand, as the clock ticks for the ruling coalition to resolve seemingly pronounced differences, the PML-N and MQM-P also have also established committees to address the formation of a caretaker government, governmental decisions, and electoral matters.

The committees aim to resolve all issues through mutual understanding in an upcoming meeting.

According to reliable sources, MQM-P has finalised three names to represent the party on the committee formed by the prime minister. The committee will comprise Dr Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal, and Aminul Haque from the MQM.

The suggested names were approved during a coordination committee meeting held for consultations.

Meanwhile, the prime minister reportedly requested three names from the MQM for the committee's formation during their meeting.

Once included in the committee, MQM members will be treated as equal partners in all government decisions at both federal and provincial levels. Their input will be sought for all significant matters, including the formation of caretaker government.

Additionally, the committee members from the MQM will engage in discussions concerning electoral issues, constituencies, and voter lists based on the old census data.

On the other side, Ayaz Sadiq, Ahsan Iqbal, and Saad Rafiq will represent the Muslim League-N in the committee.

Meanwhile, sources indicate that an early meeting is expected to take place between the committees from both sides. The primary agenda will be addressing the concerns raised by the MQM.