Justice (retd) Arshad Hussain Shah assumed the role of caretaker Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, following the untimely demise of former Chief Executive Azam Khan due to a brief illness. The swearing-in ceremony, administered by KP Governor Haji Ghulam Ali in Peshawar, marked a crucial transition in the provincial leadership. The succession process unfolded after ex-CM Mahmood Khan engaged in consultations with former opposition leader Akram Khan Durrani, paving the way for the appointment of the new interim chief executive.
The governor, adhering to constitutional obligations, had initiated the consultation process under Article 224(1A) of the Constitution, sending invitations to Mahmood and Durrani. According to constitutional stipulations, this process is expected to conclude within three days. Following discussions, a notification was issued, revealing Durrani and Mahmood’s consensus on appointing Justice (retd) Arshad Hussain Shah as the caretaker CM under Article 224 of the Constitution. The decision received approval from the KP governor, finalizing the appointment.
Justice (retd) Arshad Hussain Shah, previously serving as the law minister in Azam Khan’s cabinet, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Having also held the position of chief justice in Gilgit-Baltistan, Shah’s legal background adds a crucial dimension to his caretaker responsibilities.
The transition, however, was not without its legal intricacies. The absence of explicit constitutional provisions for scenarios involving the death or resignation of an incumbent raised questions about the appointment process. While Articles 224 and 224-A outline mechanisms for the initial appointment of a caretaker chief minister after the dissolution of a provincial assembly, they remain silent on procedures for such unforeseen circumstances.
Legal experts held varying opinions on the appropriate course of action. Some suggested adhering to the mechanisms defined in Articles 224 and 224-A, while others, including former secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan, Kanwar Dilshad, proposed Senate intervention in emergencies. Dilshad emphasized that, in the absence of an assembly, the Senate could decide on the appointment, with the Election Commission of Pakistan serving as a fallback in case of disagreement.
Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa advocate general Shumail Ahmad Butt contested this view, arguing that the existing mechanisms outlined in Articles 224 and 224-A should guide the new appointment process. Butt emphasized the role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor in appointing the caretaker chief minister, in consultation with the chief minister and leader of the opposition in the dissolved provincial assembly.
As the legal discourse unfolded, concerns mounted over Mahmood Khan’s departure from the former ruling party, further complicating the situation. Constitutional lawyer Babar Khan Yousafzai highlighted the emergence of a constitutional crisis, with Azam’s death leading to the dissolution of his caretaker cabinet. Yousafzai underlined the need for the courts to interpret constitutional provisions in this unprecedented case.
Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi sought to quell speculation, asserting that, following the caretaker CM’s demise, the governor, chief secretary, and the provincial government would continue to perform their duties as required.
This is something very much simple rather to propagate
— Voice of Pakistan 🇵🇰 (@Eagle1pak) November 11, 2023
In navigating this legal and constitutional terrain, Justice (retd) Arshad Hussain Shah assumes a pivotal role in ensuring stability and continuity for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As the province grapples with this unprecedented scenario, the caretaker chief minister’s leadership will be crucial in upholding the principles of governance and addressing the legal complexities that have arisen.
