Prime minister request names of nominees for caretaker PM

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf writes to leader of the opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Wednesday wrote a letter to the leader of the opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan asking the latter to propose their list of nominees for a care taker Prime Minister.

This follows Ashraf's vow earlier in the month to write to the leader of the opposition.

Within the letter, the premier stressed that the names for care taker set up should be selected prior to the dissolution of the National Assembly due next month.

In his letter to leader of the opposition, the PM said:

It is imperative that we initiate the process under Article 224 of the Constitution to arrive at a consensus on the appointment of care taker Prime Minister, who could uphold the national interest and ensure free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

The people of Pakistan rightly expect us to rise to the occasion and agree upon the most suitable person as care taker Prime Minster and pave the way for holding general elections in an impartial, fair and transparent manner.

Let us enable the people of Pakistan to express their will in an exemplary environment and ensure smooth transition of power to the next elected government.

I would request you as Leader of the Opposition, to propose names of persons who in your opinion are eminently qualified to be appointed as care taker Prime Minister of Pakistan.

JUI-F

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman said his party will accept any nominee for the caretaker prime minister suggested following consensus between the government and the opposition.