President Asif Ali Zardari. PHOTO: AFP
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has ramped up its efforts to find a replacement for President Asif Ali Zardari.
According to sources privy to developments, it has so far shortlisted three names for the prized post – that of prime minister’s adviser Sartaj Aziz, former provincial governor Mamnoon Hussain and former chief justice Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui. However, Aziz’s chances of being nominated appear slim, they added.
“If we consider party affiliation, Mamnoon Hussain would be the party’s candidate of choice. But if we look at Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s preference, then Justice (retd) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui would emerge as the candidate for president,” a senior PML-N official told The Express Tribune.
Another senior party leader and senator maintained that Hussain’s chances of running for president were higher. However, he said the party leadership wants to keep Sartaj Aziz as the prime minister’s adviser on foreign affairs and national security.
According to the PML-N senator, the key to the candidate’s selection lies with Prime Minister Nawaz.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said that the new president of the country would come from a smaller province in a conscious effort to end the sense of deprivation among the people.
Since President Zardari’s tenure is set to expire on September 8, the Election Commission has announced August 6 as the date of the presidential election.
The PML-N government, however, has requested the poll body for a change in the election schedule.
“We have asked Khursheed Shah [to support us in requesting] a change in the schedule of presidential elections as well,” a PML-N official told The Express Tribune. But Shah’s response, according to the official, was ‘bewildering’.
“Shah said the election could be held five days after the presently scheduled date… this is impossible according to constitutional provisions,” he maintained.
The PML-N leader said that party had asked ECP to schedule the election for July 30 instead of August 6, which coincides with the 27th of Ramazan. “The ECP has refused our request for the time being.”
According to sources, Prime Minister Nawaz wants to spend the last 10 days of Ramazan in Saudi Arabia. This, they say, is why the PML-N is asking ECP to revise the schedule for presidential elections.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2013.
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@Aysha M: For the first time a good suggestion from you. He will have my vote if I were allowed to vote for President.
Former cricketer umpire Shakoor Rana will be a very effective President.
How about Ch. Aslam of CID Karachi? I think he'll be the best candidate for everyone.
Neutral Candidate acceptable to all? Any thoughts?
ET really you need to have Uzair Baloch and Ch. Aslam on poll. Not Uzair vs. Aslam rather one poll for Uzair and one poll for Ch. Aslam.
@expaki: My heart felt thanks, thank you!
You had Zardari for 4 years. Get over it.
A Pashtun (Sartaj Aziz - Kakakhel tribe) back on the head of the power pinnacle is good for the federation, too.
Besides, the PML-N may have considered a Sindhi (and it did think of Ghous Ali Shah) if most of your province hadn't blindly signed up to a failed party (PPP) despite a shoddy 5 year performance, by a huge majority.
Regards.
Why should PML-N look for a President among politicians. Can't it reach a intellectual or man of learning as President. After all the position is apolitical; so why does one want a politician as head of the state? Unless, there is more to it - some ulteriror motive - for example, President Tarrar scribling the word 'seen' on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's proposal to replace Musharraf with Ziauddin Butt.
PMLN found no Sindhi speaking leader to be nominated as President. It shows the love of PMLN for Sindh. The second highest majority of Pakistan- Sindhis are being marganlized. Sindh produces 70 percent of Budget, the highest producer of Gas, petrol and electricity. But its people are still poor. PMLN has no plan to empower them.
@Shan Say: Shan Sahib, Sada Khush raho. Jeonda raho. your parents see you living happily, that is all I can offer you my dear.
@KAY: Why not Veena Malik?
@expaki: I myself do not trust most Pakistani politicians. But some are worse than others.
ET can we have polls on Uzair Baloach
@Shan Say: "Many Pakistanis do not trust him" Shan Sahib, put together pictures of all our POLITICIANS and tell me honestly, if you find any TRUST WORTHY. I will accept your VERDICT :-))))
Never forget his smile...
@Aysha M: "For his credentials, you need to contact Zulfiqar Mirza" He is as much a trouble maker as Altaf Hussein.
May be after importing Ch Sarwar they can also ask Lord Ahmad to also leave his UK nationality and come over to become president.
@Peace Seeker: Karachites love Uzair Jan Baluch, a unanimous candidate from Karachi
@mrs ahmed: @Aysha M: Thanks. I did not know about him. But why should both of you be kidding here?
Meera should be offered Presidentship.
PML-N must remember their loud cries of corruption and accountability at the time of elections...............or was that just hot air ?
@Peace Seeker: pls refer @asim: Uzair Baloach is from lyari which is very underdeveloped well veresed in all the art that is needed in pakistani politics mainly bhatta , killing , football game (you know what i mean) keep changing loyalties and promises , never seen a university or college , should we not go next level after current president. .We are all aware in Pakistan we dont believe in merit , competency , calibre , qualification , wisdom and character, therefore looking at how under developed lyari and always involved in a gang war , who could be best possible candidate then uzair , he can make deals , havent we seen so many deals after 2007 . So Uzair is my candidate.
WHY NOT 2nd term for Zardari Sahib? He performed better than any in history of Pakistan, ask him renounce political affiliation and he makes perfect PRESIDENT. but please no MULLAH.
@Polpot: Many Pakistanis do not trust him.
@Peace Seeker: For his credentials, you need to contact Zulfiqar Mirza
@Polpot: LoL!!! You made my day. Thanks.
@Polpot: If you continue to make non-serious suggestions, you are likely to lose your credibility.
Ayesha M. Your sense of humor is kind of lame!
My candidate for President: Rehman Malik ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pls dont laugh.
Why not choose a female candidate? Doesnt not have to be someone with designer clothes and acccessories!?
@Aysha M: His credentials?
The industrialists and feudal class have joined hands; Selection criteria last time was 10 years in JAIL, international corruption allegations etc
what is the criteria this time??
Uzair Jan Baluch of Lyari is also under consideration for the top slot
We will miss Mr.Zardari as the president of Pakistan, and I don't believe PML-N can replace hi with anyone better.
PMLN has already started to show its intolerant face. It could have requested a later date but what it wants is to get elections done at the earliest possible date to diminsih the current Presidents role if any, in any matter. The elections can be held uptil November 7 but PMLN specifically requested the schedule to be released immediately.
I hope that PPP and PTI come to senses and field a joint candidate which may after all have chances of winning as opposed to separate ones.