Pakistan names former judge as caretaker prime minister

International Desk:  The Pakistani government and opposition named former chief justice Nasir-ul-Mulk the country's caretaker prime minister, ending weeks of political wrangling and giving the former judge the responsibility of holding a general election by the end of July.

Mulk, 68, served as chief justice of Pakistan's Supreme Court for just over a year in 2014, and holds a reputation for being politically neutral.

The appointment was announced by parliamentary leader of the opposition Khursheed Shah at a press conference in the capital, Islamabad, on Monday.

Shah was joined by outgoing Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq.

"Today we have chosen someone whose past record is clear, and hopefully as a caretaker prime minister he will also work for the country and its democratic system," said Abbasi.

Shah, too, lauded Mulk's record as a judge and lawyer, saying he expected him to hold elections in a manner that was free, fair and on time.

"I believe that this will be a very important election for Pakistan, because Pakistan is going through huge issues, and we have seen rigging in elections as well in the past," said Shah.

Pakistan is due to hold a general election on July 25. Mulk will take over as caretaker prime minister on June 1, as the ruling PML-N government completes its five-year term.

Source: BBC


risingbd/May 28, 2018/Mukul