ISLAMABAD: The fate of the caretaker administrations in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hangs in the balance as their 90-day tenure ends, following the dissolution of the provincial assemblies in January of this year.
It is noteworthy that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has repeatedly claimed that any actions taken by the caretaker set up after its 90-day time would be unconstitutional and illegal. The PTI has also accused the ECP of being biased, and sometimes called it as ‘B’ team of the ruling government.
In a violation of the code of conduct set by the Election Commission, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continued his visits to different areas of Lahore the other day, despite a ban by the ECP. The Election Commission was informed of his actions, but it chose to turn a blind eye.
The ECP’s decision to ignore the violation by the Prime Minister has raised concerns about the integrity of the upcoming electoral process and the present caretaker set up. With the elections just around the corner i.e. on May 24, it remains to be seen whether such violations will be dealt with strictly, or if more leniency will be shown to those in positions of power.
According to news peddled by sources within the ECP, the constitutional process was strictly followed in the appointment and designation of the two caretaker provincial governments after the dissolution of the assemblies. The sources also claimed that the caretaker governments would continue until fresh elections are held and new governments assume office.
The current situation, however, has created an imbroglio over the legality of the caretaker governments. The ECP’s position is that no time period had been specified in the appointment of both governments, and thus, they were placed following the process prescribed in the Constitution.
Political analysts believe that the issue of caretaker governments in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to be brought before the judiciary, which will interpret the situation and determine the fate of the caretaker administrations.
