Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Munawar Hasan, on his return from Turkey on Monday, would consult with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan over the name of Justice (r) Nasir Aslam Zahid for the caretaker PM’s slot, a JI leader told Pakistan Today.
He also said, “The JI chief will either visit the PTI chairman in Lahore or will contact him by phone if Khan is not available for a meeting,” said a leader of the JI.
Hasan’s absence may lead to a delay in evolving consensus among the opposition parties over the nomination of the caretaker PM, a source said.
“Leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar will respond to PM Raja Pervez Ashraf’s letter on opposition’s joint nominations for the slot of caretaker PM by Monday due to Hasan’s absence,” the source added.
On Friday, sources close to Chaudhry Nisar, claimed that the opposition leader would reply to the premier’s letter in “two to three days”.
The sources added that though informal consultation had been completed between the opposition parties and Justice (r) Zahid’s name has been finalised.
JI leader Fareed Paracha said that unofficially JI General-Secretary Liaqat Baloch had contacted the PTI leadership and informed them about Chaudhry Nisar’s proposed names for the caretaker PM’s slot.
“Baloch also informed the PTI leadership that among the proposed nominees, consensus was being built over the name of Justice (r) Nasir Aslam Zahid, hence his name may be forwarded by the opposition,” Paracha added.
When contacted, Baloch said the JI chief was in Turkey and would contact PTI Chairman Imran Khan on his return.
“Munawar may also contact Imran Khan by phone if desired so,” he added.
However, PTI sources said that there was no formal or informal contact made by the JI and there was no chance of giving any nod by PTI over the name of Justice (r) Zahid.
Source also said Chaudhry Nisar was likely to propose the names in this regard.
In a letter, PM Raja Pervez Ashraf had urged Chaudhry Nisar to propose names.
In the letter, the PM said it was imperative that a consensus should be reached on the appointment of the caretaker PM under Article 224. Failure to reach a consensus soon could result in the matter being sent to a committee, the letter read further.
