Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister
QUETTA/ISLAMABAD: Governor of Balochistan today constituted a parliamentary committee regarding the selection of the caretaker chief minister of Balochistan.
The matter was delegated to a parliamentary committee when the chief minister and the opposition leader couldn’t finalize the name of the caretaker chief minister.
Under the law, a decision needed to be reached within three days of the dissolution of the provincial assembly. Hence, Tuesday was the last day for finalizing a candidate.
Balochistan’s Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and the Leader of the Opposition, Malik Sikandar, held a meeting on Tuesday. However, they could not recommend any candidate as the interim chief minister.
What does the Constitution state?
As per the Constitution, if the chief minister and the opposition leader are unable to agree on a suitable interim chief minister within the stipulated period, the matter will be referred to the parliamentary committee.
Therefore, the chief minister and the opposition leader will present three names each to the parliamentary committee.
If the committee could not decide the matter, then the Election Commission of Pakistan will ultimately make the final decision.
ECP issues guidelines for the caretakers to hold elections
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued guidelines to caretaker governments at the national and provincial levels to ensure the transparent and lawful conduct of elections. As the country enters an election period and the National Assembly and provincial assemblies stand dissolved, the ECP has outlined its constitutional duty to organize and execute elections fairly and in line with the law.
The guidelines emphasize the ECP’s role in preventing corrupt practices and ensuring just elections. Interim administrations are directed to support the ECP in conducting elections according to the law. Furthermore, the ECP directs interim governments to adhere to all orders as per Section 230 of the election law.
Notably, the ECP demands interim governments seek the commission’s prior written approval for any transfers or appointments of public officials under federal and provincial jurisdictions. Recruitment freezes are imposed, except when sanctioned by the ECP. They can also be conducted by federal and provincial public service commissions or government entities with already completed test/interview processes.
