The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has put together its list of prospective candidates for the post of caretaker prime minister following a meeting presided over by party chief Nawaz Sharif in Lahore on Tuesday, sources told The Express Tribune.
The party will now officially contact all political parties within and outside parliament for their lists.
According to sources, the PML-N has put togther a total of nine names for the caretaker prime minister post, giving equal representation to all provinces: Two candidates each were chosen from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, while one was taken from Islamabad.
The Express Tribune was able to confirm a few of the nine names: Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam Zahid and the chief of a Sindhi national party, Awami Tehreek, Rasul Bux Palejo were chosen from Sindh. From Balochistan, Mehmood Khan Achakzai’s and Sardar Attaullah Khan Mengal’s names have been finalised. From Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa sources confirmed the name of Qazi Hussain Ahmed, the former chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). From Punjab, reports suggested that the name of noted human rights activist and lawyer Asma Jahangir has been selected – however, the claim of the inclusion of her name could not be verified during crosschecks.
Formal contact
PML-N senior leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had earlier informally contacted all political parties to discuss their choices of candidates for the interim prime minister. The party now plans to formally document the names and dispatch them to the heads of various political parties.
Sources claim that the PML-N had also reached out to the PTI, who raised objections over Asma Jahangir’s inclusion and handed over their own choices, which, sources claim, are Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr Shoaib Suddle and former federal minister Abdul Razzaq Dawood. The PML-N has included PTI’s choices in the list, which they would also forward to the heads of all political parties.
PTI Central Information Secretary Shafqat Mehmood denied the report, saying that his party neither raised objections over any name nor was it consulted by the PML-N, so far. Once the opposition finalises its candidates amongst itself, it will bring the matter to the government for discussion. PML-N Deputy General Secretary Ahsan Iqbal and party leader Sardar Mehtab Khan Abbasi confirmed that Tuesday’s meeting had deliberated over the caretaker set up. Abbasi did say that the PML-N would complete the process of formally contacting other parties on this matter as soon as possible.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 13th, 2012.
COMMENTS (22)
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My vote is for brave, honest and neet & clean Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
these all people have political affiliations brother
Smalik You're saying all this makes me think of you as a naive person. Even if he did come out with the support of the army rite now after more than two decades he is staunchest criticizer of the Army's influence. Why doesn't IK protest outside GHQ? Even a child knows that foreign policy and especially the American is handled by our Generals than why this hypocrisy of blaming the government only? Your leader is too arrogant and thought that because of his good looks and one fine hospital he will be able to make it to the Prime Minister's house? Well the bubble's now gone all the turncoats who joined him for their interests are leaving and going baq to their parent parties. Pti won't be able to take 10 seats and it talks about simple majority. Lol what a joke
PML-N has been dealing with national issues in the courts instead of parliament and creating conditions that could bring it into power, rather than presenting solid and workable plans to deal with the formidable challenges confronting the country, including the existentialist threat from terrorism. Its persistent antics to indulge in the politics of mud-slinging against the PPP leadership and of late a senseless duel with the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf and the bizarre move to pick on the media, are in fact reflective of its bankruptcy in vision and the ability to conceive appropriate solutions to the national challenges and matters pertaining to governance. Mere claims to serve the masses and safeguarding their interests are not enough. The PML-N will have to curb its unremitting propensity to indulge in a blame-game against opposing political entities and focus more on substantive issues. The logjam on the creation of new provinces in South Punjab is now basically the responsibility of the PML-N as the move has been set rolling on the basis of the resolution of the Punjab Assembly. It should seek redress for its reservations by participating in the deliberations of the commission, rather than creating hurdles in the way of its working.
aqa is it verified
Palijo sahab is the only name which has never been associated with feudalism, fanaticism, corruption , nepotism and idiocy. Let common sense prevail.
@Asad Shad,Yes PMLN is the only party whose leader was sponsored by Gen Jilani and Gen Zia..He was a non-entity before the generals nurtured him.He is one of the dumbest politicians in Pakistan.He can't put a couple of sentences together.He made lots of money through corruption which he is using now for political purposes.He didn't become the leader of PMLN through ability,he has no ability.
Way to go Pml-N. The only sensible and mature party in Pakistan. About Pti well good luck for the elections with SHEIKH RASHID.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai is a true democrat but I do not think he will accept the role of a caretaker. He has never supported dictatorship and is role model for the whole country.
For Ik only One name is suitable ... nd that is Gen pasha ...
I think Qazi Hussain Ahmad is a sensible choice for care taker!!
My vote for Mahmood Khan Achakzai!
PM should be from FATA.
The caretaker PM should be none other than Mahmood Khan Achakzai. Political Workers belonging to any party can't point out fingers on his honesty, dignity and passion for our lovely PAKISTAN
Only Aama Jehangir has the intelligence ,integrity and ability to be the caretaker government she is known nationally and internationally
good names ..... What IK will say to that List ???
i hope PTI start takes part in affairs of the government and doing actual government affairs and stop blaming others under cover of not being in government.
PM should be from Balochistan
@Sindhi_Sufi: We do not need old bull in the ring anymore and this is a time for change with new fresh honest people like Mustafa Kamal, Hasan Nisar, Mujahid Barelvi and Imran Khan
And PMLN blame PPP for supporting PTI behind the curtains; PMLN, Thy Name is, Hypocrisy!
Caretaker PM should be from Sindh, Both names of PMLN from Sindh are honest, corruption free and highly learned people.