Following the initial consultation about the caretaker prime minister, neither Opposition Leader Raja Riaz nor Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has settled on a name, and the potential candidates remain undisclosed. After Thursday’s meeting, Riaz described the discussion as amicable and anticipates another consultation session on Friday.
Both leaders appear guarded, holding their candidate preferences close. Yet, Riaz confirmed sharing his suggestions with PM Shehbaz, voicing optimism about future discussions and the potential for consensus on a single candidate.
Procedure and Potential Candidates: Who Will Take the Reins?
After Pakistan’s 15th National Assembly was dissolved, consultations between the prime minister and the opposition leader became essential. President Arif Alvi sanctioned the dissolution based on PM Shehbaz’s advice. PM Shehbaz subsequently reached out to Riaz, expressing readiness to appoint a caretaker prime minister under Article 224-A of the Constitution. Proposed candidates include notable figures like Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tassaduq Hussain Jilani, and Kamran Tessori.
Without consensus within three days, the responsibility shifts to a parliamentary committee. This committee has a three-day window before the Election Commission of Pakistan steps in. With the parliament’s dissolution, elections are due within 90 days, but potential delays loom, especially as the ECP must redraw constituencies based on new census data, a process taking several months.
