Pakistan's major ruling coalition partners, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), have reportedly agreed to dissolve the National Assembly on August 8, a few days before its five-year term completion, to gain extra time for upcoming general elections.
The incumbent National Assembly's constitutional term ends on August 12, but both parties have decided to dissolve the legislature on August 8. There was also consideration for August 9 and 10, but they opted for August 8 to avoid any potential obstacles in the early dissolution process, as per sources.
According to the law, if the president doesn't approve the recommendation, the National Assembly will stand dissolved after 48 hours, giving the government ample time to achieve its goal of early dissolution. As per the Constitution, a general election should be held within 60 days after the term's expiration, or within 90 days if dissolved prematurely.
The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), led by the PML-N, believes that dissolving the National Assembly will be beneficial for them. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that his government would complete its tenure next month, and an interim government would take over.
Once dissolved, a caretaker government will be formed. During this transition, Sharif will continue as prime minister for a few days. To establish a caretaker government, Sharif will write to the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz, within 48 hours, seeking three names for the caretaker prime minister while suggesting three names himself.
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If the two leaders cannot agree on a nominee within three days, a committee comprising six members of the outgoing assembly with equal representation from the treasury and opposition will be formed. The committee will then have three days to reach a consensus on one name. If that fails as well, the Election Commission of Pakistan will make the final decision within two days.
The selected nominee will serve as the interim Prime Minister until the formation of a new government, and they will have the power to appoint cabinet members.
It's worth noting that Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was ousted through a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly, has been demanding early national elections since his removal in April last year. However, the date for the dissolution of the National Assembly has not been officially announced yet.
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