ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Thursday said that the leader of the opposition would be contacted soon for consensus on the key decision of appointing a caretaker prime minister.

Speaking to reporters during a meeting with Federal Law Minister Farooq H Naek, PM Ashraf said that the caretaker prime minister would be appointed according to the law and constitution.

Key issues, including the caretaker government, the upcoming general elections and a bill on the formation of a new province in south Punjab were discussed during the meeting.

The law minister also apprised Ashraf of details of the Supreme Court's decision to dismiss a petition challenging the constitution of the Election Commission.

PM Ashraf said he would soon contact Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, for consultation on the caretaker PM.

The prime minister said that the government would ensure a smooth and transparent transition of power and free and fair elections.