Newly nominated Sindh caretaker Chief Minister Justice (r) Maqbool Baqar said that he was briefly considered for the post of caretaker PM as well.

Speaking to Asma Shirazi in Faisla Aap Ka on Tuesday, Baqar said that he had been approached multiple times and was aware that he might be given some responsibilty. He said he knew he would have to take up a role as he had many familial and personal links and also because there are debts that must be paid back to the nation.

Baqar said that organising elections is the job and responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan and the caretaker government was merely supposed to assist them.

However, he expressed hope that the elections would be free and fair and would be held as per the constitution.

Baqar also said that he was receiving reports now and then that discussions over the caretaker set up were going on and his name was among those being considered. He added that his nomination could only have come after all parties agreed.

Baqar said that while the date of elections had to be decided by the ECP it was his intention, effort and hope that elections would be held on time. He said there was no reason not to hold the elections as per constitutional provisions.

He added that he had commitment with constitution and law and hoped to honor that commitment.

Baqar said that there were numerous challenges infron of him. Apart from economic and security challenges, there was also the problem of lack of trust among the people. He added that the province’s problems also included flood affectees in rural sindh.