Islamabad, 09 Aug (HS): Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is likely to tender his resignation on Wednesday and recommend dissolution of the National Assembly. The term of the National Assembly ends on August 12.
President Arif Alvi can dissolve the National Assembly within 48 hours of receipt of a recommendation from Shahbaz. A formal send-off was accorded to Shahbaz Sharif at the Army Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
By resigning prior to completing the term, Shahbaz Sharif is trying to seek more time for the general elections. As per the rules, the general elections are held within 60 days, if the National Assembly completes the term. In case of dissolution of the National Assembly before the completion of the term, this period of conducting elections is up to 90 days. A caretaker will be appointed till the election of the new government. The name of the caretaker, however, has not been made public.
Former Prime Minister and President of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf Imran Khan is in jail and has been declared ineligible to contest elections for the next five years. This decision of the trial court has been challenged by Khan in the Islamabad High Court.
Hindusthan Samachar/ Ajay Mardikar/ Mukund/Manoj
