President asks PM, opposition leader to finalise caretaker premier by August 12

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has written a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition Leader Raja Riaz, urging them to finalise the name of a caretaker prime minister by August 12.

The letter has outlined the constitutional provision under Article 224-A — which mandates the selection of a caretaker prime minister through consultation between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition — before the president appoints the interim premier.

According to the letter, “As per the constitution, the prime minister and leader of the opposition are required to propose the name of a consensus caretaker prime minister within three days of the dissolution of the National Assembly.”

NA dissolved as president signs summary

The president’s letter affirms his approval of the prime minister’s advice and the dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9.

Several names for the slot of the caretaker prime minister have been making the rounds, prompting speculation that decision-makers may struggle to reach a consensus on this crucial matter.

President Alvi had previously signed the summary for the dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s advice.

As per the constitution, general election must be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assembly.

While the 15th National Assembly’s tenure was originally set to complete on August 12 or August 13, but the assembly was dissolved early to hold new elections within 90 days, instead of the usual 60 days.