ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Dr Arif Alvi has expressed his concerns regarding the legality of caretaker governments in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) following the expiry of their 90-day term.
The president has asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to look into the matter and ensure the upholding of the Constitution and the strengthening of democracy in Pakistan.
The president’s concerns were raised in response to a letter by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, who highlighted issues with regard to the legality of the interim setups in the two provinces of the country.
Fawad pointed out that the interim governments in Punjab and KP had completed their stipulated period, and the Constitution does not provide for the continuation or extension of the period fixed for the interim setup.
Legal status of Punjab, KP caretaker governments
Caretaker governments were introduced as per Article 224 of the Constitution to facilitate the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in holding free, fair, just, and honest elections in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
Fawad’s letter raised concerns that the continuation of caretaker governments beyond the stipulated period could potentially undermine the democratic process and the rule of law in the country.
The president’s request to the prime minister comes at a time when the country is facing several political and economic challenges.
The government’s handling of these challenges has been under scrutiny, and there have been concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
The prime minister’s office has not yet issued a statement on the matter. However, political analysts believe that the government may take steps to address the concerns raised by the president and ensure the continuity of the democratic process in the country.
The president’s concerns over the legality of caretaker governments in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have highlighted the need for upholding the Constitution and strengthening democracy in Pakistan.
The government’s response to these concerns will be closely watched by the public and the international community, as it will have far-reaching implications for the future of the country.
