Pakistani Finance Minister May Lead Caretaker Government

Sources from political parties have revealed that "one of the major parties in Pakistan's ruling coalition has proposed that Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar lead an upcoming caretaker government to help push forward the economic reforms agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund." The sources, who requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak to the media, stated that "the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has put forward Ishaq Dar's name to its coalition partners." A party member told Reuters: "We believe he might be the best bet to continue the economic reforms agreed upon with the IMF." Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the coalition will dissolve parliament next month and hand over power to a caretaker government to pave the way for national elections. Pakistan secured a much-needed financial package of three billion dollars from the IMF last month, which serves as a long-awaited relief for the country teetering on the brink of default. When Reuters asked Ishaq Dar about the proposal regarding his name, he said, "Let's wait and see." Minister of Information Maryam Aurangzeb did not respond to a request for comment.