PTI put forth two names for Punjab caretaker CM

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) recommended on Friday two names for the caretaker chief minister (CM) of Punjab.

According to local media reports, PTI leader and Opposition Leader of Punjab Assembly, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, forwarded the names of Orya Maqbool Jan and Yaqoob Izhar to the government.

Speaking to the media outside the provincial assembly, opposition leader expressed his confidence that the government would decide on Punjab caretaker CM by Sunday.

PTI has withdrawn its nominees for the caretaker position twice now. The first time it removed its suggested candidate Manzoor Afridi for caretaker CM of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The party had withdrawn the nomination after severe criticism from other parties in the province.

Similarly, PTI had appointed former bureaucrat Nasir Khosa as the caretaker PM, but later withdrew his nomination. PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry said that the decision was taken because of strong reaction on social and public media over Khosa's appointment.

On Thursday, PTI recommended Inspector-General (IG) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Nasir Durrani and analyst Dr Hassan Askari for the position. However, IG Durrani excused himself from the designation.

Meanwhile, Sindh caretaker CM was announced late Thursday night. The outgoing government and opposition leader have appointed former chief secretary Fazalur Rehman as the Sindh caretaker CM.

Whereas, caretakers for Balochistan and KP are yet to be announced. The ruling government ended its tenure on Thursday night. The caretaker Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk has already assumed his responsibility of the post.