Former opposition leader in the National Assembly (NA), Raja Riaz, has announced that general elections in Pakistan will be held in February, which is three months later than the constitutionally allowed limit of 90 days that falls in November.
Riaz’s announcement comes after Balochistan Awami Party Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar was named the country’s interim prime minister after consultations between him and Shehbaz Sharif, the opposition leader in the NA.
The announcement of the elections comes three days after the dissolution of the NA, three days ahead of its mandated period, according to which elections are to be held within 90 days.
However, a delay in the elections is expected due to the approval of the results of the 2023 digital census, which has made fresh delimitation compulsory and may take months.
Riaz, speaking on a TV show, clarified that the caretaker prime minister was chosen from Balochistan to address the complaints of deprivation of rights in the province.
There has been speculation about the selection of the caretaker prime minister, with Riaz denying any external influence in the naming of Kakar and maintaining that he proposed the names independently.
Riaz, who had previously announced his intention to contest the next elections on a PML-N ticket, said that he would reach a decision soon and inform the public.
When asked about ensuring a level playing field and the participation of the PTI in the electoral process, Riaz said he could not provide a definitive answer.
The process of appointing the caretaker prime minister began after the dissolution of the National Assembly, with consultations held between PM Shehbaz and Riaz and lists of potential candidates exchanged.
Sources reveal that there were discussions about former finance minister Ishaq Dar and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as potential caretaker premiers. However, Riaz, being a PTI dissident, was influenced by other factions advocating for Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani’s nomination.
The finalization of the interim leader’s name is expected soon.