ISLAMABAD: The opposition leader in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz Ahmad, has hoped that the issue of nominating a caretaker prime minister would be resolved amicably, insisting that he did not want to create problems for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif if he suggested a suitable name for the slot.

In an interview with the DawnNews programme ‘Doosra Rukh’, Mr Ahmad hoped that after they agree on the name of the caretaker prime minister, the issue would not be required to be sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) or a parliamentary committee.

Mr Ahmad, a PTI dissident who joined the then-opposition ahead of last year’s no-confidence vote against ex-premier Imran Khan, said he had an excellent working relationship with Mr Sharif and the two would agree on a name if the prime minister suggested a suitable one. “It’s not an egotistic issue that I have to get my name approved in any case,” he said.

On the possibility of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar becoming the caretaker premier, Mr Ahmad oppo­sed the idea, fearing that it would make elections disputed and the public would raise questions. However, he stressed that it was “too early” to say anything on the issue, as the PML-N had not presented any name for the caretaker set-up. On the election schedule, the opposition leader said polls could either take place in three months or after two years.

Opposes Dar’s nomination but sees no harm in delayed polls; backs idea of ban on PTI

“If you look at democracy, then elections should take place on time. I am in favour of this. But if you look at the country’s economic situation, then the other situation is very serious and dangerous,” he elaborated.

Mr Ahmad said he believed the country should be “strengthened” first. “So many elections have taken place [in the past so] they will keep taking place in the future as well,” he said.

Banning PTI

Mr Ahmad agreed with the ruling coalition government’s views on banning the PTI after the May 9 violence, insisting that Imran Khan’s party should be banned because of allegedly disrespecting martyrs.

Asked if action should be taken under Article 6 (high treason) of the Constitution against PTI leaders, he responded, “Definitely, it should be taken.” On military trials of civilians, he said, “Why did these people go into their (army’s) territory? If they (PTI supporters) went into their (army’s) territory, then a case should proceed according to their domain as well. There is no harm in it.”

Responding to a question about PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s “loyalty” to Mr Khan, Mr Ahmad said that those who were “sincere” with Mr Khan were either in jail or had fled, while those who were still standing with him were not sincere.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2023