Khawaza Asif frontrunner to replace 'disqualified' Nawaz as Pak PM

Islamabad  : Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaza Asif is a frontrunner for the post of interim prime minister of the country in place of Nawaz Sharif.

 The appointment of an interim prime minister has been necessitated as Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday delivered its verdict in Panamagate case and disqualified Nawaz Sharif to continue as Prime Minister.

According to Pakistani media reports, other names that have been doing rounds are for interim prime minister are: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan



Abbasi.

Despite Nawaz's disqualification, ruling party Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) enjoys a majority in the Parliament and will rule the country till general elections are held in mid-2018.

According to Pakistani media reports, it was decided in advance that if the Supreme Court disqualifies Nawaz Sharif then Asif will be made interim prime minister for 45 days till someone from Nawaz Sharif's family, like wife Kasloom or brother Shahbaz Sharif, is elected to the lower house of National Assembly.

This is the third time Nawaz has been unable to complete his term as Pakistan prime minister.