Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Rana Ansar, the Leader of the Opposition Sindh Assembly, have achieved consensus regarding appointing Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar as the caretaker Chief Minister. The ruling PPP initially proposed Justice Baqar for the role.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab affirmed this development, also the spokesperson for the Sindh government. Through platform X, previously recognized as Twitter, Wahab detailed the three-day consultation process between the two leaders leading to the collective agreement.
In an endorsement from MQM-P, after a Rabita Committee meeting presided over by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the party confirmed their approval of Justice (retd) Baqar for the interim role. While speaking at a press conference, Rana Ansar expressed satisfaction over the mutual consultation that led to finalizing Justice Baqar’s name. She emphasized the importance of selecting a well-respected figure and hinted at challenges caused by the August 14 celebrations in Karachi.
Details and Procedures of Interim Chief Minister’s Appointment
As mandated by law, the procedure to appoint an interim Chief Minister is intricate. Following the dissolution of the provincial assembly, a caretaker setup is requisite. The chief minister initiates This appointment process and communicates with the opposition leader to suggest potential names.
The current agreement between CM Murad and Ansar has streamlined this process, bypassing further steps that would involve the Sindh Assembly Speaker and potentially the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Once in position, the caretaker Chief Minister possesses the authority to establish their cabinet. It is then incumbent upon the ECP to conduct general elections within 90 days, with candidates allocated a month for election campaigning.
As per Pakistan’s constitution, the caretaker government remains until the populace elects a new government, a practice that diverges from many other countries. CM Murad will temporarily maintain his duties until Justice Baqar is officially sworn in.
Justice Baqar’s Commitment to Uphold the Constitution
On the news of his selection, Justice (retd) Baqar voiced his determination to uphold the rule of law and the Constitution. He acknowledged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as responsible for organizing elections and pledged his full support to the body. Emphasizing the gravity of his duty, especially in challenging times, Baqar expressed a commitment to addressing the populace’s concerns.
 Maqbool Baqar as Interim Chief Minister. This pivotal step ushers in a new phase for Sindh's governance as the province anticipates general elections.){kind=link}