ISLAMABAD: New names have started doing the rounds for the post ofcaretaker Prime Minister.

According to sources, a few names are under consideration for the post andShah and PM Abbasi have agreed on who should be the caretaker primeminister. “Now, discussions are underway on the caretaker cabinet,”.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has finalised the names of Zaka Ashraf andJalil Abbas Jilani for the post. Sources informed Geo News that Shah hasforwarded these names to PM Abbasi. PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari hastelephoned Ashraf and Jilani informing them of the party’s decision.

Five other names are also under consideration for the post of care takerprime minister and speculation is rife as to who will be nominated.

The five names under consideration for the post include former PakistanAmbassador to the United Nations Abdullah Hussain Haroon, former State Bankgovernor Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Pakistan’s permanent representative to theUnited Nations Maleeha Lodhi, former chief justice of Pakistan TassaduqHussain Jillani and former State Bank governor Dr Ishrat Hussain, sourcesfurther said.

“From these five names, Dr Maleeha Lodhi and Dr Shamshad Akhtar arefavourites for the post,” the sources added.

The sources further said, “If Akhtar is appointed caretaker prime ministerthen Lodhi will be made caretaker foreign minister.”

The leader of the opposition in the National Assembly on Friday said hewill hold a meeting with PM Abbasi on Tuesday (tomorrow) after which theywill announce the name of the caretaker prime minister.