By IANS
Islamabad : A Pakistani minister has taunted the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on its prime ministerial nominee, saying party chief Benazir Bhutto could not occupy the position for the third time.
“As the constitution does not permit Benazir Bhutto to become prime minister for a third term, the PPP should bring forth its nominee for the top slot,” Durrani told reporters in Lahore Sunday.
However, a media report Monday said that Bhutto’s attempt to return to power if the PPP wins a majority in January’s elections or emerges as the single largest group in the National Assembly will not be blocked.
“Knowledgeable sources say that the establishment’s decision has been conveyed to the PPP chairperson, along with the assurance that the elections will be free and fair,” Dawn said.
The bar on prime ministers serving a third term can be lifted through a majority vote in the bicameral legislature if President Pervez Musharraf consents to this, added the newspaper that generally has its ear close to the ground.