To prevent any possible role of establishment: PML-N gives mandate of proposing caretaker PM to PPP

In a bid to prevent any possible role by the establishment in appointing the caretaker prime minister, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has given the mandate to Pakistan People's Party (PPP) for proposing a name for the interim premier, it is learnt. This could also be an attempt by Nawaz Sharif to woo PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari who has, in recent months, come out strongly against any future collaboration between the two parties, sources told Business Recorder.
Talking to Business Recorder, PML-N secretary information Senator Mushahidullah Khan confirmed that PML-N has given the mandate to opposition leader for proposing a suitable name in consultation with other opposition parties for the post of caretaker prime minister. "If a consensus name comes from there [opposition side] and it is not disputed or objectionable, the PML-N would have no issue and accept it", the PML-N leader declared.
He also stated that the PML-N also wants consensus names for the caretaker cabinet as well as interim chief ministers and their cabinet members at provincial level. Sources further stated that the leader of opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah was informed by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that PML-N would not propose any names for prime minister with a view to avoiding leaving the matter with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), where they believe that the establishment may manipulate the process.
Talking to Business Recorder, PPP-P secretary-general Farhatullah Babar denied that PML-N has mandated PPP to finalize the nomination for the caretaker premier, but confirmed that the prime minister and opposition leader did agree that decision should be made by them instead of the matter going to the ECP.
"The Prime Minister has asked the opposition leader to propose names, but he [PM] did not mandate the PPP to have the last word", he added.
He said leader of the opposition in National Assembly has the mandate to consult other opposition parties. For this purpose, he said the opposition leader is talking to other opposition parties to bring a consensus name for the interim primer.
Former Senate chairman and PPP leader Raza Rabbani has urged all political parties to reach a consensus on the name for the caretaker prime minister and avoid sending the matter to the ECP. He said the appointment of caretaker prime minister was a political decision, and that parliament and political parties "should walk the extra mile to achieve this consensus".
However, sources confided to Business Recorder that during the previous meeting prime minister gave a free hand to the opposition leader to propose the name of some one not controversial and of good reputation for the caretaker premier. "The prime minister has conveyed to opposition leader that he would accept the name if the party leadership expresses no serious reservations against any proposed name", the sources said. They said the prime minister and opposition leader had also decided in the meeting to continue consultation process with other opposition parties till a consensus is reached by mid May. "It is expected that consensus will be reached and a decision would be made public in the last 10 days of May", the sources added.
Senior PTI leader Shafqat Mehmood told Business Recorder that party has been consulted by the opposition leader in the National Assembly. However, he said the party has not yet officially announced any names for the caretaker prime minister. Mehmood added that PTI had not placed a condition that unless it is consulted at the federal level it would not engage in consultations at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provincial assemblies' level.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader Maulana Ameer Zaman said the government has contacted his party for consultation: "It will be better for the political leadership if the matter is resolved by them instead of referring it to the ECP", he said, adding that the Prime Minister and opposition leader would evolve a consensus on a suitable name.