AS the date for forming the caretaker government approaches in the midst of controversies and speculations, the following guiding principles for the caretakers should be put in place immediately:

Given the chequered history of caretaker governments in Pakistan, all political parties are justifiably concerned with the choice.

The controversy could derail the process of democracy in the country. The Pakistan Economic Reform Party believes that Pakistan’s future political and economic survival lies in true parliamentary democracy.

We recommend that a short act be passed by parliament to defuse this dispute.

The role of the caretakers can be restricted to the following terms:

The caretaker government should not make any major policy decision that is likely to commit an incoming government.

The caretaker government should not make any significant appointment (bureaucratic and public sector).

The caretaker government should not enter into any major commercial contract or undertaking.

The caretaker government should not make any major international commitment.

Unless absolutely necessary, there should be no presidential ordinances during the tenure of the caretaker government.

Any exception to the rules mentioned above would require consultation with all major political parties.

RAUF KADRI Founder, Pakistan Economic Reform Party Karachi