ISLAMABAD: Former finance minister of Pakistan Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, one of the top contenders for the caretaker prime minister position, has reportedly arrived in Pakistan, a local news channel reported while citing sources.
According to local media, Hafeez Shaikh reached Karachi two days ago and has been discussing the political and economic situation with his close aides in Islamabad.
The potential candidacy of Abdul Hafeez Shaikh for the role of caretaker prime minister has sparked controversy. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bokhari denied any consensus on Shaikh’s name for the caretaker prime ministership. Bokhari criticized Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah for prematurely discussing Shaikh’s name as a candidate, stating that it is not within Sanaullah’s purview to comment on such matters.
Abdul Hafeez Shaikh Among Contenders for Caretaker PM
Earlier, Rana Sanaullah had claimed that Hafeez Shaikh was among the candidates shortlisted for the caretaker prime minister position. The purported list of candidates also included former chief justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jillani.
Amid the discussions surrounding the caretaker prime minister selection, the recently approved digital census results have also come under scrutiny. Bokhari noted that a constitutional amendment would be required to adjust the number of seats in the National Assembly according to the new census data.
The issue of selecting a caretaker prime minister is gaining significance as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9. The selection of the caretaker prime minister is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth transition of power ahead of the upcoming general elections in Pakistan.
