ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Thursday said that the leader of the opposition would be contacted soon for developing consensus on the key decision of appointing a caretaker prime minister.

Talking to media during a meeting with Federal Law Minister Farooq H Naek, he said that the caretaker prime minister would be appointed according to the law and Constitution. Key issues, including the caretaker government, the upcoming general elections and a bill on the formation of a new province in south Punjab were discussed during the meeting.
The law minister also apprised Ashraf of details of the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss a petition challenging the constitution of the Election Commission.
PM Raja said he would soon contact Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, for consultation on the caretaker PM.
The prime minister said that the government would ensure a smooth and transparent transition of power and free and fair elections.
Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf has said that the present government is committed to the cause of holding free and fair elections in the country.
The Prime Minister said this while meeting Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Farooq H. Naek at PM House this morning.
“Democracy cannot flourish without free and fair elections. It is our responsibility and commitment to ensure that elections are transparently held and the people of Pakistan choose their representatives in a free environment”, said the Prime Minister. The Prime minister said that the caretaker Prime Minister would be appointed in accordance with the Constitution. He further said that he would be consulting the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly for arriving at a consensus on the name of the caretaker Prime Minister in the near future.
Naek briefed the Prime Minister on the issues including appointment of the caretaker Prime Minister and the coming general elections. He also updated the Prime Minister on the decision of the Supreme Court in the petition of Dr. Tahir ul Qadri.