ISLAMABAD: Former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk was announced as the caretaker prime minister on Monday during a joint press conference held by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah.
While addressing a joint press conference along with PM Khaqan Abbasi, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Maryam Aurangzeb, Khursheed Shah made the announcement. “Today is a day of great importance in the democratic run of the country. We have agreed on an individual for the position,” PM Abbasi said in the press conference.
“We have come to this decision six weeks later, and we had to discuss the nominations with our parties as well,” he added. “The individual’s history is impeccable and contribution has been outstanding.”
“We have selected a candidate for caretaker premier who will prove to play a democratic role in the upcoming general election,” the premier said while addressing the press conference.
“Appreciate the role of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the selection of caretaker premier,” Shah said.
“I am glad that Pakistan Peoples Party reached out to the opposition parties,” he further said.
“It was a challenge for all of us and all names that were put forth were credible and respectable individuals,” he added. “We tried to make a decision which will be acceptable to the nation and Parliament.”
“Former CJP Nasirul Mulk has been nominated as caretaker premier,” Shah announced.
This was the sixth meeting between the two, with the previous five ending in a deadlock.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) proposed names of former chief justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, State Bank former governor Dr Ishrat Hussain and former minister Abdul Razzaq Daud.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman took to Twitter to congratulate the former chief justice. “Want to congratulate Justice (r) Nasir ul Mulk on being appointed caretaker PM,” Imran tweeted.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also took to Twitter to congratulate Justice (r) Mulk.
“Moving forward for the sake of strengthening democracy — congratulations to Justice (r) Nasirul Mulk on being appointed caretaker prime minister,” he tweeted.
Further, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Sahibzada Tariq Ullah said the party accepted the name of Justice (retd) Mulk as caretaker PM.
“He [Nasirul Mulk] has served as the chief justice of the Supreme Court. We hope that he will conduct free, fair and transparent elections,” the JI leader said.
While, Awami National Party (ANP) leader Zahid Khan termed the appointment a victory for democracy and hoped that there would be a smooth transition of power after the next elections.
Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai also welcomed the appointment of Justice (r) Mulk as caretaker premier.
