Former chief justice of Pakistan justice (Retired) Nasirul Mulk has taken oath as the country’s seventh caretaker Prime Minister at a ceremony held hours after the National Assembly was formally dissolved ahead of the general elections scheduled to be held in last week of July.
Justice Mulk the unanimously nominated candidate for the post by government and opposition was administered oath by President Mamnoon Hussain at a prestigious ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr (President House) Islamabad on Friday. Top government officials and dignitaries attended the ceremony, including former PM Abbasi, the chiefs of staff, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, and others.
It is worth to mention here that Justice Mulk was heading a three member judicial commission to probe the PTI’s claim of so-called systematic rigging in the 2013 general elections. In a 237-page report Justice Mulk not only rejected the allegations leveled by the PTI chief and his party but also maintained that despite some lapses on the part of the Election Commission the elections were in large part organised and conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.
Being an upright person, his appointment as caretaker PM was hailed by all and sundry, in addition to mainstream parties the decision was appreciated by politico religious as well as nationalist groups all across the country. Constitutionally, the interim setup is bound to hold elections in the country within a period of 60 days after the dissolution of National and Provincial assemblies.
After swearing-in-ceremony the newly appointed caretaker premier told media men that he would make sure that the elections will be held in a timely and transparent manner. The PM reiterated his resolve to fulfill the duty he was entrusted with. Now that the country is on the road to democracy, the national assembly has managed to complete its term for thrice in a row and the president as head of the state has formally announced the date for next polls, it will be the biggest challenge for the caretaker premier to hold elections in time. Hopes are high that the caretaker premier will discharge his duty in line with the constitution, maintain his reputation as a neutral man and uphold his promise of holding free, fair and transparent election, which is paramount for flourishing democracy. One hopes that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will also perform its functions and duties defined and set by the Constitution of Pakistan in Article 23 without any duress and makes necessary arrangements to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law.
