Ishaq Dar still in race for caretaker PM Slot: Ahsan Iqbal

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal  stated that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar remains a contender for the position of caretaker Prime Minister.

Ahsan Iqbal said that consultations are ongoing for the caretaker PM slot, and the final decision will be reached within three days after the dissolution of assemblies.

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that all state institutions are working collaboratively to stabilize the economy and are united in their commitment to the country's development.

In a scathing remark against the PTI chief, Ahsan Iqbal accused him of corruption in the Toshakhana case. He pointed out that the person whom the PTI chief claimed had purchased the watch denied making any such purchase from him, and the receipts submitted were found to be fraudulent.

Referring to the decision made by the Council of Common Interests (CCI) on August 13, 2020, Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that the next general election will be conducted based on the new census. However, he asserted that it is not possible to hold elections within three months on the new census, as the delimitation process will take at least four months.

Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, in response, conveyed his acceptance of any decision made by the leadership regarding the caretaker Prime Minister. He clarified that the coalition government and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will jointly decide on the caretaker premier.

Ishaq Dar also stressed the importance of empowering the caretaker Prime Minister to effectively govern the country, suggesting that the caretaker government would require 90 days instead of the traditional 60 days for its term.