ISLAMABAD (AP) – With Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif disqualified by the country’s top court and out of his job, questions are swirling over who will succeed him as head of government.
The Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the thrice-elected Sharif followed a petition by the country’s opposition, which had levelled corruption allegations against the prime minister and his family members. Sharif promptly resigned after Friday’s ruling and will now face criminal charges.
Legal experts say that under constitutional rules, Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League party will have to nominate a lawmaker to replace him. That nominee will then have to be elected by the National Assembly, where Sharif’s party enjoys a comfortable majority.
Here is a look at some possible successors to Sharif:
-AHSAN IQBAL, minister for planning and development;