Shaikh, Dr Ishrat lead race to caretaker PM’s slot

The government on Thursday unveiled its much-awaited nominations for the slot of the caretaker prime minister, as Raja Pervez Ashraf wrote a letter to leader of the opposition in National Assembly Nisar Ali Khan suggesting the names of Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Dr Ishrat Hussain and Justice (r) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso as coalition government’s nominees for the caretaker PM.

Of the three nominees, two have served as close advisers to General (r) Pervez Musharraf on economic affairs. Dr Hafeez Shaikh served as the trade minister while Dr Ishrat Hussain served as governor of State Bank.

Ashraf’s letter was a rejoinder to Nisar’s nominations sent to the PM on March 11.

Pakistan Today had informed its readers on February 20 that Shaikh had tendered resignation as finance minister and was a front-runner for being appointed as caretaker prime minister.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ashraf and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani held a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed matters relating to political situation, Kayani’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, Iran-Pakistan pipeline, general elections and caretaker setup were discussed during the meeting.

A source in the ruling party told Pakistan Today that former finance minister Dr Hafeez Shaikh was leading the race followed by Dr Ishrat Hussain for the slot of the caretaker prime minister, as Shaikh had also won the blessings of PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif.

“Shaikh also met Senator Ishaq Dar – the key player in talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and the elder Sharif – while Shaikh has also blessings from the military’s top brass as well as Obama administration for the key post.”

The government’s nominations came when the National Assembly is all set to complete its term on Sunday – thereby meaning that only two working days are left for the government and the opposition to evolve consensus over the caretaker prime minister.

It was being assumed that the government and the opposition would discuss the proposals of Nisar and consensus would be evolved, however, the nominations by prime minister may trigger a new controversy.

Under the constitution, if prime minister and leader of the opposition cannot evolve consensus over the next caretaker premier by Sunday, the nominations made by leader of the house and leader of the opposition would be referred to the parliamentary committee to be formed by the National Assembly speaker. And even if the parliamentary committee also fails to evolve consensus, the matter would go the election commission which would nominate the next prime minister.

Ashraf stated in his letter that he had held “in-depth consultations” with coalition parties of the PPP as well as within the party in keeping with the same spirit on the names proposed by Nisar, however, finally the afore-mentioned three names were proposed for the office of the caretaker prime minister.

“Let me reiterate that we have pursued a policy of reconciliation and consensus in the country for the well being and betterment of the people of Pakistan.”

He said all the three nominees were of known standing, integrity and competence and the much-talked-about and sensitive issue of caretaker PM would hopefully be resolved amicably.

Ashraf said they could discuss the names put forward both by the government and the opposition at a mutually convenient time so that they could agree on a suitable person in line with the constitutional obligations.

“We can discuss and deliberate on the names put forward both by the government and the opposition at a mutually convenient time so that we can agree on a suitable person in line with the constitutional obligations,” he added.

The prime minister said he looked forward to an early response from him so that they could put a closure to the issue and move forward to set the stage for holding general elections in the country.

The source said Shaikh had also won support of the country’s establishment as well as a nod by the US, EU and some of the international financial institutions – including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

“Shaikh brings with him a long administrative experience besides having planned and executed fiscal policies. Since he has also rich experience of working with the IFI’s, his nomination may help the country deal with the daunting financial challenges,” a PPP leader said.

The minister said since the caretakers would also strategise dealing with financial issues as the government would not be able to present the fiscal budget this June, Shaikh would be able to deal with issues concerning the Ministry of Finance.

Shaikh’s name came to spotlight in the foreign media during his tour of the US, where despite strained relations between the US and Pakistani Army, Shaikh was able to win a better financial deal for Pakistan.