Holding general elections as per constitution top priority, says Justice (retd) Baqar

KARACHI: Justice (retired) Maqbool Baqar, all set to take oath as Sindh’s caretaker chief minister tomorrow (Wednesday), said that holding general elections as per constitution and law was a top priority.

Mr Baqar was named as caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh on Monday.

Talking to media, Mr Baqar said, “It is a very important responsibility in such a difficult situation,” he said, adding that he would try to resolve the people’s problems.

He said he had been informed about his duties and that his top priority was to form the provincial cabinet.

Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar appointed caretaker CM Sindh

Baqar said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was responsible for holding elections as the role of the interim government was to assist the electoral watchdog.

He maintained that they would try their best for the upcoming general elections to be held as per the law and the constitution.

“It is a very important responsibility in such a difficult situation,” he said.

Baqar was picked for the top slot after three rounds of discussions between outgoing Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Leader of the Opposition in the dissolved Sindh Assembly Rana Ansar — hours before their 3-day deadline was about to expire.

Shortly after both of them agreed on the name, a summary was sent to Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, who approved his appointment without any hurdles.