ISLAMABAD – Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulkwas sworn in as Pakistan’s seventh caretaker prime minister at thePresident House, on Friday.
President Mamnoon Hussain administered the oath to the former top judge ina ceremony attended by former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Chief of theArmy Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani,former ministers and other civil-military top guns.
In an informal discussion with newsmen after assuming charge, the interimpremier asserted that free, fair elections would be conducted in thecountry without any delay.
“I would rope in minimum numbers of ministers and would perform the dutiesassigned,” declared Nasirul Mulk.Guard of honour given to Caretaker PM
Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasir-ul-Mulk was given guard ofhonour here at the PM House after oath-taking of his office at thePresident House. A contingent of guards presented a salute to the CaretakerPrime Minister and the national anthem was played on the occasion. Later,Justice (retd) Nasir ul Mulk reviewed the parade and interacted with thesenior officials at the PM House
The National Assembly was dissolved at midnight Thursday after the PakistanMuslim League Nawaz government completed its five-year term.
Moreover, all the provincial assemblies were also dissolved, paving way forthe interim setup to take over the reins of the country for ensuring freeand fair elections in the country.
This is the first time in Pakistan’s history that a second consecutivedemocratic government has completed its five-year tenure.
The name of Nasirul Mulk was agreed upon by former premier Shahid KhaqanAbbasi and former Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, SyedKhursheed Shah on Monday.
Earlier, outgoing Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi held farewellmeetings with the federal cabinet, his staff and officers on Thursday.
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs on Thursday evening issued anotification announcing the dissolution of the 14th National Assembly atmidnight on May 31, 2018.
The notification was issued in line with Article 52 of the Constitution,which states simply that: “The National Assembly shall, unless soonerdissolved, continue for a term of five years from the day of its firstmeeting and shall stand dissolved at the expiration of its term.”
Copies of the notification have been sent to the Prime Minister’s Officeand the Aiwan-i-Sadr (Presidency), as well as all provinces, the ElectionCommission of Pakistan, the National Assembly and Senate.