Opposition parties fail to reach consensus on joint candidate for PM's office
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A meeting between the opposition members on Monday ended without the parties' consensus on a single candidate for the prime minister's post.
In the wake of Nawaz Sharif's disqualification in the Panamagate case, President Mamnoon Hussain had called a session of the National Assembly (NA) tomorrow [August 1] for the election of a prime minister.
The PML-N's nominee, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who is currently facing a Rs220 billion corruption inquiry being carried out by the National Accountability Bureau, submitted his nomination papers to NA Secretary Jawad Rafiq Malik on Monday.
Speaking to the media after submitting his nomination papers, Abbasi, who was chosen by the party unanimously, said that he would continue with the policies of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif over the period of his tenure.
According to his party's strategy, Abbasi will vacate his seat to pave the way for Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to take the chief executive's position if and when the latter is elected to the National Assembly.
Expressing confidence that he would succeed, Abbasi added that the cabinet members would be decided by the party today.
Meanwhile, the opposition failed to agree on one nominee, with each party throwing its weight behind different candidates who also submitted their nomination papers.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) put forward Awami Muslim League (AML) leader Sheikh Rashid's name, but could not gain the support of any other party apart from Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid.
The PPP said it would not back Rashid because of PTI chief Imran Khan's criticism of Asif Ali Zardari in a speech a day earlier. Khan had accused Zardari of corruption and promised to pursue the former president in corruption cases.
PPP instead back Khursheed Shah and Naveed Qamar, Muttahida Qaumi Movement chose Kishwar Zehra, while Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) suggested the name of Sahibzada Tariqullah.
Defending the party's decision to nominate Sheikh Rashid, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the AML chief "deserved the honour" of becoming PM as he fought the Panama case "on both political and legal fronts" along with PTI chairman Imran Khan and JI ameer Sirajul Haq.
However, since Haq is a member of the Senate and Imran Khan is not a candidate, the party decided on Rashid's name.
Qureshi and opposition leader Khursheed Shah both expressed hope that the opposition parties would continue to make efforts to agree on a single candidate.
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Comments (68) Closed
Jul 31, 2017 03:16pm
PTI nomination was enough to repel any reasonable person ..... Choice of PTI candidate really says a lot about PTI seriousness for democratic process ....
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Jul 31, 2017 03:24pm
Abbasi said: "that he would continue with the policies of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif once elected."
Exactly why you should never be allowed to take office, especially when there is a pending inquiry against you and your past is dubious at best!
We do not care for continuation of NS and his policies and certainly don't more of the same.
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Jul 31, 2017 03:25pm
If PTI recommended Shaikh Rasheed as Interim PM because he fought the Panama case on legal and political front then the more deserving candidate is Mr Imran Khan. Mr Khan fought the case more effectively than Shaikh Rasheed. Come on Imran have the courage to contest the election against the relatively unknown Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
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Jul 31, 2017 03:27pm
The results are known on forehand the rest is leg pulling...
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Jul 31, 2017 03:28pm
This is about time now that all parties start building up consensus if they want to break the status quo moving forward. It seems there is still extreme distrust between parties. Agree to disagree seems to be the order of the day sadly.
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Jul 31, 2017 03:30pm
Whoever is going to receive Mr Abbasi's application should reject it due to the NAB cases pending and save him the embarrassment of disqualification
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Jul 31, 2017 03:31pm
If Abbasi case is under NAB than he should not be eligible for such a post.
PPP will never & ever support the opposition as under the table they are part of N league
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Jul 31, 2017 03:33pm
I like PML N member
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Jul 31, 2017 03:33pm
sheikh Rasheed is the candidate from PTI ?????? ha ha ha
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Jul 31, 2017 03:34pm
A big question for PTI followers! Nomination of Sheikh Rashid is a non-serious attitude as well disgrace of him as well because they know who will succeeded and just given a lollypop and said he deserved only for lollypop which is wrapped in PM packing. A time when Imran Khan said about his candidate that he even do not deserves as his peon and now!???
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Jul 31, 2017 03:35pm
PML N is a best choice
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Jul 31, 2017 03:36pm
The demand of PML Q is absolutely wrong as it is the right of majority party to nominate and elect his candidate for a Prime Minister.
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Jul 31, 2017 03:37pm
Everyone should withdraw in favor of Sheikh Rasheed. With the state of our democracy and the sick mindset of our urban electorate we surely deserve a head of state like him
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Jul 31, 2017 03:37pm
@Nomi Goraya Welcome to democracy where people are elected not selected. Shiekh Rasheed is commoner like you and me he deserve that position.
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Jul 31, 2017 03:37pm
Without opposition unity,IK is not to become priminister of Pakistan in
2018 election, if ...
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Jul 31, 2017 03:37pm
Seeing the PTI- PM choice, one can easily judge about the quality and basis of their decision making. These people are good at making noises and keep the media earn revenues.
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Jul 31, 2017 03:39pm
@Nomi Goraya I agree with you PTI doesn't believe on the democratic process to succeed. Let me add , they believe on the finger of the third Umpire to succeed.
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Jul 31, 2017 03:42pm
The nomination of Mr. Khakan Abbasi being Prime Minister is a good decision.
Syed Naseemuddin Shah
Hyderabad
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Jul 31, 2017 03:43pm
@Nomi Goraya ....it is like a nigt watch man.
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Jul 31, 2017 03:45pm
Hahahahaha!!!!!
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Jul 31, 2017 03:47pm
None of the member of PML-N should be allowed to nominate for the interim pm, because of their support Nawaz was doing what he wanted to do dishonestly, period
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Jul 31, 2017 03:47pm
@Nomi Goraya Don't you like Sheikh Rashid ?
Let me tell you Sheikh Rashid is a highly qualified person and Imran Khan has always admired him. I dont think IK has ever said anything against him
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Jul 31, 2017 03:50pm
@Skeptic 100% agree
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Jul 31, 2017 03:52pm
Speaking to the media after submitting his nomination papers, Abbasi, who was chosen by the party unanimously, said that he would continue with the policies of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif once elected.
"policies of ousted prime minister" means LOOT and PLUNDER and..................
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Jul 31, 2017 03:53pm
@Nomi Goraya Choices of PML(N) for PM and CM says a lot about dynastic politics. At least in PTI case, their choice is not some one from the family of Imran Khan.
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Jul 31, 2017 03:54pm
PPP has permanent muk muka with pmln, so they will ditch everyone else, as they themselves will be held accountable otherwise.
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Jul 31, 2017 04:00pm
The Oppositions weaknesses and there are many ...... is the PML-N 's strength.
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Jul 31, 2017 04:01pm
Let me see. NS was ousted three times, for similar reasons. He has proven to be a failure as a PM, FM and politician as such. All his businesses were failures and lost money.
Yet, Mr. Abbasi wows to follow in NS's footsteps and continue his failed policies. What does tell you about his abilities and state of mind? When you have our 'brothers' across the border shooting at you, you are not a success story by any stretch of the imagination. Much less for anyone to admire and emulate and promise to continue on the same destructive path!
Mr. Abbasi, your checkered past at PIA was enough to disqualify you. Your words have only confirmed what many of us believed already. You are just as incompetent, incapable and inept as your former boss!
Thanks but no thanks. We can do without more of NS's failed policies.
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Jul 31, 2017 04:03pm
Don't worry all other corrupt politicians who are part of so-called opposition will be brought to justice.
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Jul 31, 2017 04:05pm
Never thought in wild dreams that a man as vulgar as Sheikh Rasheed would be nominated as prime minister by any decent political party ...but here he is.
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Jul 31, 2017 04:09pm
What election commission of Pakistan has to say about Abbasi nomination when it is clear the NAB investigation are ongoing against him? Are they going to act now save this nation another circus?
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Jul 31, 2017 04:11pm
@Sheraz - reality is that there is absolutely no chance so the candidate is SR. It will be interesting to see if there was a slim chance, then who will PTI nominate. SR cannot win the NA seat without the life line thrown by PTI. Suggesting such a person is a joke with the public.
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Jul 31, 2017 04:12pm
It is a foregone conclusion that PML(N) having majority will have their nominee as PM.
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Jul 31, 2017 04:15pm
@Aamir Cheema - We are living in the age of Trumpism. He and his new Communication Director used colorful foul language as a routine. And that is the sole Super Power of the World.
Are you surprised that Shieikh Rashid can be considered as PM of Pakistan? No one thought Zardari will ever be elected as an MNA - much less party leader and the President too! But it happened!
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Jul 31, 2017 04:19pm
@Karamat Chaudry what would be a point of bringing IK for a losing cause ?? PML N has clear majority in NA
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Jul 31, 2017 04:22pm
God's shame on us that we've nominated a corrupt criminal for candidate as the next prime minister, pretty shameful Nawaz league.
I hope that AML's Sheikh Rasheed is elected the PM.
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Jul 31, 2017 04:24pm
Sheikh Rasheed meets PTI Strictest criteria to be a contender for Pakistan Prime Minister Office?.
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Jul 31, 2017 04:25pm
@Ali Imran Why not Imran Khan? Is he not a commoner like us? It is very interesting the PTI could not find any person within and outside PTI who is more reasonable than Sheikh Rashid
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Jul 31, 2017 04:35pm
This is an interim position. Anyone except Nawaz clan tainted with corruption charges, or Abassi tainted with corruption investigation would be a reasonable choice at this moment
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Jul 31, 2017 04:42pm
@Karamat Chaudry Imran Khan should be the candidate of PM seat in next general elections.
We don't need to be emotional, as these candidates are not for general elections and clearly to be voted by the members of national assembly and PMLN has clear majority so whoever stands, the candidate from the ruling party will win.
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Jul 31, 2017 04:52pm
@Nomi Goraya What is wrong with AML? Cleaner than Sharifs. It that not enough?
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Jul 31, 2017 04:58pm
It is disgusting that the opposition parties could not agree on one candidate. This gives the impression that some of them if not all are helping PML[N] while claiming to be in opposition.
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Jul 31, 2017 05:10pm
@Karamat Chaudry do you really believe PMLN MNAs would vote for Imran Khan as interim PM?
Imran Khan will stand for PM in the next general elections, where the common people will decide rather than sitting MNAs
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Jul 31, 2017 05:11pm
PTI if serious to create Naya Pakistan than should avoid using already seen and tested faces.They all are just doing the business of Politics!
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Jul 31, 2017 05:37pm
My vote is for Chaudry Nisar
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Jul 31, 2017 05:37pm
@Karamat Chaudry they know they are gonna lose this time because dont have majority
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Jul 31, 2017 06:28pm
Sheikh Rasheed is a good choice for interim government. "Interim" is just a temporary period. Don't worry. IK will be the permanent PM of Pakistan winning 2018 elections with biggest historical margin. Mark my words.!!!
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Jul 31, 2017 06:35pm
nice person, will win with thumping majority
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Jul 31, 2017 07:10pm
As expected
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Jul 31, 2017 07:11pm
@Nomi Goraya Sheikh Rashid has been die hard opponent of Nawaz Sahrif and sided with Imran Khan to remove the corrupt Sharfis. However, I have questions about his temperament and his choice of words while arguing a point. He resembles President Trump in presenting his point of view. PTI knows that it does not have enough votes in getting their premier from the present Parliament, therefore, it wants to oblige Mr. Sheikh Rashid for his loyalty to PTI and Imran Khan. In the present political environment, as long as there are no prima facie charges of corruption against Mr. Sheikh Rashid he deserves support.
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Jul 31, 2017 08:09pm
The PML-N's nominee, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who is currently facing a Rs220 billion corruption inquiry being carried out by the National Accountability Bureau, submitted his nomination papers to NA Secretary Jawad Rafiq Malik on Monday.
Court or election commision should not allow this person to be interim president.
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Jul 31, 2017 08:23pm
Sheikh Rashid may be an honest person and I do believe at current time Pakistan need more honesty that rocket science, however the geopolitical scenario require some rocket science. I wish Asad umar was nominated. Sh.Rashid and Khurshid Shah are not PM material.
People like Musharaf, and IK, Murad Ali Shah would fair well in the global scenario
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Jul 31, 2017 08:56pm
If someone have objection on PTI selection, please see the dawn voting ratio. Without doubt Sheikh Rasheed is 1 million times better than LPG Abbasi.
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Jul 31, 2017 08:59pm
Sheikh rasheed the ideology behind pti all along.
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Jul 31, 2017 09:42pm
All opposition parties are corrupt. Except PTI. It is expected.
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Jul 31, 2017 10:19pm
@TN bravo
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Aug 01, 2017 01:07am
PPP should demonstrate some sensibility and acumen to agree with PTI on SRA. He truly deserves to be PM for some days.
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Aug 01, 2017 02:25am
PTI had no choice but to nominate Sheikh Rashid. He has been very active on the Panamagate issue and this was meant as an acknowledgement. The nomination was meaningless since PPP was bound to play spoiler, and PML-N would get the final appoinement anyway.
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Aug 01, 2017 03:10am
@iqbal parekh vote nice guy!
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Aug 01, 2017 03:13am
@Asif A Shah didnt i just say that! but trump and those like him arent interested in illegal orgs, only interested in exposing their continued crimes. ur too boring a group....gossipy, dumb, incompetent, dishonest,,,,pass!
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Aug 01, 2017 03:56am
I am glad there is no consensus. Let Khaqan win, then let him be disqualified by SC. Operation anti-corruption will take its own course.
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Aug 01, 2017 04:40am
What is this???
PTI wants ehtisaab of zardari, khursheed shah and naveed qamar, and yet wants to have a joint candidate for PM.
Hypocrisy?
Really disappointing.
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Aug 01, 2017 07:52am
Interesting comments ...choose some one with conscience...They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before pm can live with other folks he got to live with himself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.folks ...If PM don't stand for something ..he will fall for anything.
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Aug 01, 2017 08:23am
@Nomi Goraya Yes Khaqan Abbasi is the right man because burn PIA to make room for other pvt owned airliners, massive corruption in the fossil fuels sector and LNG priority for kickbacks via Qatar. Sheikh Cigar man isnt that good either. Rather go with neither PMLN or PTI nomination but JIs Tariq. I trust some neutrality will be maintained that way.
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Aug 01, 2017 10:08am
Sahibzada Tariqullah is good person. but an others are corrupet people .
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Aug 01, 2017 03:15pm
It is numbers game and even if all the opposition parties agree on one candidate, PML N still can win. I think Imran Khan was right to nominate Sh. Rashid and not nominating anybody from PTI or standing by the opposition to nominate one candidate.
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Aug 01, 2017 08:15pm
@Nomi Goraya Check the poll results.
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Aug 02, 2017 06:18am
PPP and MQM have shown they are with the corrupt PMLN and not with the people of Pakistan...
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