Caretaker setup: We have names submitted by PTI on record, says Chaudhry Nisar

Says only seven names on list being sent to political parties.

ISLAMABAD: Following Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) denial of being taken into confidence over  the caretaker prime minister shortlist by Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Thursday they had the names sent in by PTI “on record”.

He was briefing the media in Islamabad about the shortlisted names of potential candidates for the caretaker prime minister post that opposition was sending to the political parties so they could “reflect upon them, form opinions and send the list back in order of priority”.

The opposition leader said that if one party stood opposed on any one name, it would be removed from the list after forming a consensus.

He said that only seven names were being sent right now following PTI’s “backtracking”.

"They submitted the names but then said it had not been done with a party consultation," said Nisar.

If they did not consult, it is their fault; not ours," he added.

“If they accept that they have sent these names (which they did, we have a record), then we will add these two names from PTI and make it a list of 9,” he said, adding, “We will add that this is PTI's proposal.”

Nisar further said that those who talked about bringing a revolution should not be backtracking on their own statements.

Nisar confirmed that Sardar Ataullah Mengal was among the shortlisted, as was “one female leader of the lawyer community”. He said that two were former Supreme Court judges and the remaining three were politically affiliated people.

He said that he had contacted other political parties to inform them that the list was being sent.

“I have spoken to Syed Munawwar Hassan, Aftab Sherpao, Saleem Saifullah, Mir Hasil Khan Bazenjo Liaquat Baloch and others in this regard,” said Nisar.

Adding to the list of political parties to whom the names would be sent, he said that the Sunni Tehreek and two religious parties which were politically affiliated would also be included.

He said that after discussing with his party, he would suggest two names as well.

“We want names to which everyone agrees,” said Nisar. “If the government agrees. well and good; if not, then the Election Commission will decide itself,” he said, adding that the ECP would surely pick names the public could trust.

Earlier, the PML-N had put together its list of potential candidates for the caretaker prime minister post in a meeting that was chaired by Nawaz Sharif in Lahore.