ISLAMABAD: The first meeting between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Raja Riaz concluded without finalizing the name for the interim prime minister.
Speaking to the media following an hour-long discussion with the premier, Raja Riaz stated that no decision was reached during the initial consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He announced that a second round of talks is scheduled for Friday (tomorrow) to further deliberate on the matter.
“I presented a list of names for consideration, and we both agreed to reconvene tomorrow to continue discussions on the six potential candidates,” Raja Riaz explained, without disclosing the names under consideration.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan’s President, Arif Alvi, acting on the Prime Minister’s advice, dissolved the National Assembly last night, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown in the capital. All eyes are on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition Leader Raja Riaz, who have initiated talks to finalize the choice of the interim prime minister.
Prime Minister’s consultations with allies
Reports suggest that Prime Minister Shehbaz has concluded consultations with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and allied parties before a crucial meeting today with the opposition leader. However, consensus has yet to be reached on any names.
وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف سے قائد حزب اختلاف راجہ ریاض کی وزیرِ اعظم ہاؤس، اسلام آباد میں ملاقات۔
وزیرِ اعظم نے آئین کی روشنی میں قائد حزب اختلاف کو نگران وزیرِ اعظم کی تقرری کیلئے مشاورت کے حوالے سے ملاقات کی دعوت دی تھی۔ pic.twitter.com/oa7tQgKdSz
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 10, 2023
Addressing speculation about the caretaker PM’s name being pre-determined by ruling PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Raja Riaz asserted, “Say whatever you want, I have my own perspective.” He confirmed having completed discussions with allies regarding the caretaker PM candidates.
It is pertinent to mention here that yesterday the seasoned diplomat Ambassador (R) Jalil Abbas Jilani emerged as a potential candidate for the role of Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan following former Pakistani diplomat Abdul Basit, congratulated on twitter.
