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

Moving forward to strengthen democracy: Bilalwal Bhutto Zardari

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)

PPP's insistence on interim PM from KPK: Nusrat Javed (Journalist)

Another success for democracy in Pakistan: Hamid Mir (Journalist)

Good consensus choice: Baqir Sajjad (Journalist)

Man of dignity and honour: Babar Sattar (Lawyer)

Step towards strengthening democratic norms: Bushra Gohar (ANP)