A general consensus among political parties appears to have quickly developed on the name of retired Justice Nasirul Mulk for caretaker prime minister, whose nomination was announced by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Leader of the Opposition Khursheed Shah on Monday.
Amidst the enthusiasm, however, some have cautioned that holding free and fair elections in the current atmosphere would be a huge challenge for the widely respected former chief justice. Others insist it is a victory for democracy as political forces seem to have successfully upheld a democratic tradition.
'He knows the importance of conducting free and fair elections': Fawad Chaudhry
"We welcome the appointment. He has experience working as the chief election commissioner and knows the importance of conducting free and fair elections," says the PTI information secretary.
Satisfied with the appointment: Shah Mahmood Qureshi
"It was not among the names we suggested but we are satisfied with this name. We hope that he will be able to hold free and fair elections," says the PTI vice-chairman.
Imran Khan
Want to congratulate Justice (r) Nasir ul Mulk on being appointed Caretaker PM.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 28, 2018
Moving forward to strengthen democracy: Bilalwal Bhutto Zardari
Moving forward for the sake of strengthening democracy -- congratulations to Justice (r) Nasirul Mulk on being appointed caretaker prime minister
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) May 28, 2018
Has a clean past: Zahid Khan (ANP)
"It is a good omen that the leader of the opposition and leader of the house have come up with a name that all parties are agreeing upon. Justice Nasirul Mulk has a clean past. A democratic tradition has been continued and the impression that politicians are weak has been dispelled by this move," says ANP's central information secretary.
JI accepts the appointment: Sahibzada Tariqullah (JI)
"In Pakistan's parliamentary history it has happened many times that a retired judge has been appointed. We accept the name and hope he will conduct transparent elections," says JI's parliamentary leader in the National Assembly
Never compromised on principles: Kamran Murtaza (Lawyer)
"No fingers have ever been raised on him," says Murtaza. "Even in the more difficult cases he heard, nobody has been able to point out any wrongdoing. I think he would be able to play an independent role for the country's betterment. In my experience with him, he has never favoured anyone and never compromised on his principles."
Disappointing experiments with judges in the past: Talat Hussain (Journalist)
Most past experiments with judges at the helm of important offices have been quite disappointing. Or led to grave controversy. Fakhruddin G Ibrahim and the current NAB head are just 2 examples. Lets see how Nasirul Mulk does.
— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) May 28, 2018
Justice retd Nasirul Mulk as caretaker prime minister. A dedicated fair soul will now be tested in a divided, brutal environment where everyone has daggers out for others.
— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) May 28, 2018
PPP's insistence on interim PM from KPK: Nusrat Javed (Journalist)
PPP's preference, from day-one, was to have an interim PM from KPK and I had stated this in @BolBolPakistan_ some weeks ago. Smooth sailing, one must add.
— Nusrat Javeed (@javeednusrat) May 28, 2018
Another success for democracy in Pakistan: Hamid Mir (Journalist)
Another success of democracy in Pakistan.Congratulations to PM Abbasi and opposition leader Syed Khurshid Shah for making consensus on former CJP Justice Rtd Nasir ul Mulk as caretaker PM now all fears of delay in elections removed
— Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) May 28, 2018
Good consensus choice: Baqir Sajjad (Journalist)
Justice Nasir ul Mulk is a good consensus choice for caretaker PM. His experience as former chief election commissioner & then heading the judicial panel that probed 2013 rigging allegations would help him in overseeing #GE2018 Lest we forget he refused oath under Mush PCO
— Baqir Sajjad (@baqirsajjad) May 28, 2018
Man of dignity and honour: Babar Sattar (Lawyer)
Prudent decision by govt & opposition to appoint CJP (Retd.) Nasirul Mulk as Caretaker PM, who as a man of dignity & honor will raise the stature of the office. And with him at helm we can rest assured that there won't be conspiracies under his watch to prolong caretaker setup. https://t.co/BPJJ7xnJgh
— Babar Sattar (@Babar_Sattar) May 28, 2018
Step towards strengthening democratic norms: Bushra Gohar (ANP)
PM & Leader of Opposition deserve to be congratulated for evolving a consensus on the nomination of the caretaker PM. A step towards strengthening democratic norms. In my opinion #JusticeNasirulMulk is a sensible choice for the position. Best of luck to the caretaker PM!! https://t.co/UrIH04IULy
— Bushra Gohar (@BushraGohar) May 28, 2018
