ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Division issued dos and don’ts to all the relevantquarters about the role and functions of the caretaker government.
In an “immediate” official communication issued to secretaries of thefederal ministries and divisions on Thursday, the government authoritieswere directed to ensure strict compliance of these limits as set by theElections Act 2017. Reminding the administrative heads of the federalministries and divisions that the caretaker cabinet has already beeninducted, the Cabinet Division while referring to the Elections Actexplained what would be functions of the caretaker government and what thecaretaker shall not do.
The Cabinet Division said the following are the functions of the caretakergovernment:- a) The caretaker government shall perform its functions toattend the day-to-day matters which are necessary to run the affairs of thegovernment. b) It will assist the Election Commission of Pakistan to holdelections in accordance with law. c) The caretaker government will restrictitself to activities that are of routine, non-controversial and urgent, inthe public interest and reversible by the future government elected afterthe elections. d) It will be impartial to every person and political party.
The caretaker government shall not:- (a) Take major policy decision excepton urgent matters; (b) Take any decision or make a policy that may have aneffect or pre-empt the exercise of authority by the future electedgovernment; (c) Enter into major contract or undertaking if it isdetrimental to public interest; (d) Enter into major internationalnegotiation with any foreign country or international agency or sign orratify any international binding instrument except in an exceptional case;(e) Make promotions or major appointments of public officials but may makeacting or short term appointments in public interest; (f) Transfer publicofficials unless it is considered expedient and after approval of theElection Commission of Pakistan; and (g) Attempt to influence the electionsor do or cause to be done anything which may, in any manner, influence oradversely affect the free and fair elections.