Who will head Sindh’s interim setup?

ISLAMABAD: Opposition factions in the Sindh Assembly have proposed their preferred candidates for the role of caretaker chief minister, while the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is yet to finalise its decision, sources said on Monday.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has nominated two former bureaucrats, Younus Dagha and Shoaib Siddiqi, for the interim position, insiders close to the developments informed HUM News English.

The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) has put forth four names: Dr Safdar Abbasi, Fazlullah Qureshi, Hussain Abdullah Haroon and Raees Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi for the chief minister’s slot.

“Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is anticipated to confer with the opposition leader to reach an agreement on the caretaker chief minister,” a source privy to the developments said.

Discussion among political parties

Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly Rana Ansar is set to engage with all opposition parties prior to discussions with the Sindh chief minister regarding a mutually acceptable candidate for the caretaker chief minister slot.

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Meanwhile, PPP stalwarts including former president Asif Ali Zardari, chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Dr Faryal Talpur and other senior members are slated to hold a virtual meeting this evening. A key concern for the PPP revolves around maintaining momentum on current developmental projects, the sources said.

The PPP is considering individuals known for both political acumen and managerial prowess. Yet, opposition groups are likely to reject candidates with prior political links to the party.

The Sindh Assembly is due to finish its constitutional tenure on August 12.

Procedure for selection of caretaker CM

If the Sindh chief minister and the opposition leader are unable to reach a consensus on the caretaker chief minister, the matter will go to the parliamentary committee. In case of failure to reach a decision by the committee, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will intervene as a last resort.

Speaking to Hum News, Sindh’s Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah said, “the Sindh Assembly’s term ends on August 12, so there’s time yet. The consultation process is ongoing, and our selections will be well-suited for the caretaker chief minister’s role.”

PTI’s stance on caretaker CM

In a separate conversation, PTI leader Firdous Shamim Naqvi said, “the PTI, being the primary opposition party, has been sidelined by this regime to favour a minority opposition leader.”

He said that “the Sindh government hasn’t approached us for any collaborative discussions on the caretaker chief minister.”

“Any attempt by the PPP and its allies to install a politically affiliated individual will be staunchly opposed on all fronts.”