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Cabinet Division de-notfies Imran Khan as prime minister

Cabinet Division de-notfies Imran Khan as prime minister in line with president's order of dissolving assemblies

By Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai
April 03, 2022
Prime Minister Imran Khan address the National Assembly. Photo: File/AFP
Prime Minister Imran Khan address the National Assembly. Photo: File/AFP

After the dissolution of the National Assembly by President Arif Alvi on Sunday, the Cabinet Division issued a notification that Imran Khan no longer holds the Office of the prime minister.

“Consequent upon dissolution of the National Assembly by the president of Pakistan, in terms of Article 58(1) read with Article 48(1) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, vide Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs’ SRO No. 487(1)/2022, dated 3rd April, 2022, Mr. Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi ceased to hold the Office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, with immediate effect,” said the notification.

Cabinet division notification saying Imran Khan no longer holds the PM Office. Photo: Reporter
Cabinet division notification saying Imran Khan no longer holds the PM Office. Photo: Reporter

Even though Imran Khan has been de-notified as prime minister, he can remain in office for at least 15 days till a caretaker prime minister is appointed under Article 224. 

There there is still, however, no clarity over how a caretaker prime minister will be appointed as the National Assembly has been dissolved — and the people who appoint the interim premier, Opposition leader in the National Assembly and the PM, are no longer in office.

While Imran Khan can continue to be the prime minister for selected days, he will not be empowered to make decisions that an elected head of the government can make.