Ruling coalition mulls extension of caretaker set up

ISLAMABAD – With only a handful of days remaining until the current government’s term comes to an end, consultations are underway within the ruling coalition regarding the potential extension of the caretaker government’s tenure.

Sources familiar with the ongoing deliberations surrounding the caretaker government’s status have informed the Voice of America (VOA) that there is serious consideration being given to a proposal for a two-year extension of the caretaker government.

These discussions also encompass the involvement of key establishment figures.

According to these sources, deliberations are ongoing regarding potential candidates for significant roles within the caretaker government, including the Prime Minister and Finance Minister positions.

PDM reposes confidence in PM over nomination of caretaker setup

The proposed caretaker setup is envisioned to include representatives from the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf parliamentarians.

The decision to potentially establish a prolonged-term caretaker government has been prompted by prevailing political and economic circumstances. Speculation about an elongated tenure for the caretaker government has been circulating for an extended period, with government leaders avoiding categorical denials.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, has announced that the dissolution of the National Assembly is scheduled for August 9, 2023, a few days ahead of the completion of its five-year term. In accordance with the Pakistani Constitution, this implies that elections must be held in the country no later than November 9, 2023.

However, the Council of Common Interests approved the release of census results on Saturday, introducing the need for the delineation of new constituencies for the upcoming general elections. This requirement, in turn, will impede the Election Commission from conducting elections within the initially anticipated timeframe.

The Election Commission has clarified that an additional three to five months will be necessary for the constituency delimitation process, based on the new census data.

It is noteworthy that the Pakistani Parliament recently passed an amendment to the Election Act, expanding the powers of the caretaker government. These amendments grant the Caretaker Government the authority to address both day-to-day and emergency matters.

Despite these augmented powers, the caretaker government remains restricted from entering into new international agreements.

Rauf Hassan, spokesperson for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has asserted that the prevailing situation in the country contradicts the constitution.

In a discussion with Voice of America, he expressed that the current government seeks to extend the caretaker government’s tenure as it aims to avoid elections. He emphasized that the caretaker government should maintain its neutrality in line with the constitution, and thus, PTI will not participate in any government that acts contrary to the constitution.

Constitutional and parliamentary affairs expert Zafarullah Khan has highlighted the Council of Common Interests’ decision to release census results shortly before the assembly’s term concludes as a source of confusion. He contended that this meeting was incomplete, as the constitution dictates that chief ministers should be participants, not caretaker chief ministers.

Khan noted that the formation of a caretaker government cannot be based on political affiliations or quotas. He further explained that recent amendments have endowed the caretaker government with additional powers to make economic decisions.

Legal experts in Pakistan hold divergent opinions regarding the duration of the caretaker government. Some assert that holding elections within 90 days is a constitutional obligation, while others suggest that there may be leeway for an extension in the caretaker government’s tenure.