Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to send a summary to President Arif Alvi advising him for the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA).
Earlier, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led coalition government had announced that assemblies would be dissolved on August 9 (today), three days ahead of its constitutional term (August 12), following which elections are to be held within 90 days.
Speaking at a ceremony at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz had confirmed that he would write to the president today to bring an end to the incumbent government’s tenure.
Under Article 58 of the Constitution, the prime minister r is bound to advise the president, who then approves it, and if he doesn't, the assembly stands dissolved within 48 hours.
"The president shall dissolve the National Assembly if so advised by the prime minister; and the National Assembly shall, unless sooner dissolved, stand dissolved at the expiration of forty-eight hours after the prime minister has so advised," the article states.
On Tuesday, PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that no name had been finalized for the caretaker premier and a collective decision would be taken after consultation.
In an interview with a private news channel, the premier said that consultations were underway with coalition parties to agree on a neutral interim Prime Minister, who would be acceptable to the people.
He said the decision would be a collective one and after finalising the names, he would hold the first meeting with Opposition Leader Raja Riaz.
The premier said that all political parties unanimously want the elections as early as possible and any delay in polls at this point is just an assumption.
PM Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Raja Riaz at 4pm today.