In a televised address to the nation, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the public that his government would hand over the reins to an interim setup in August, facilitating a seamless transition leading up to the upcoming general elections. Sharif emphasized that his administration had successfully addressed the challenges posed by his predecessor, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, thereby clearing the path for Pakistan's progress.
Addressing the nation during a ceremony in Islamabad, Sharif, who also serves as the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, announced that Parliament would complete its term on August 14, paving the way for the interim government and subsequent elections. Sharif acknowledged the sacred responsibility bestowed upon him as the prime minister and affirmed that this responsibility would be handed over to the caretaker government in August 2023.
According to the Constitution of Pakistan, general elections must be conducted under the supervision of a neutral caretaker government to ensure a fair playing field for all political parties. The caretaker prime minister is appointed through mutual agreement between the outgoing prime minister and the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. In the event of a deadlock, the names are submitted to a bipartisan committee or, if necessary, to the Election Commission of Pakistan for final selection.
While the identity of the caretaker prime minister remains unknown, political parties are engaging in consultations to reach a consensus on the appointment. Sharif used his address to highlight his government's efforts to rectify the aftermath of what he referred to as the "rubble of destruction" left by his predecessor, Khan. He claimed that his administration had successfully defused the obstacles impeding Pakistan's interests and addressed the mismanagement and inefficiencies inherited from the previous government.
During his tenure, Sharif asserted that his government overcame numerous challenges, set the direction for the economy and the country, and brought hope to a nation previously engulfed in despair. He credited his administration with the ability to navigate through crises, tackle problems, and steer Pakistan towards development and stability.
The prime minister's address coincided with the International Monetary Fund's disbursement of USD 1.2 billion out of the approved USD 3 billion for Pakistan, providing much-needed financial relief to the cash-strapped country. This infusion of funds helps avert the threat of default and allows the caretaker government to focus on the upcoming elections without the burden of economic concerns.
