In-focus

Pakistan

Makhdoom Shahabuddin nominated as PM

Dunya News

President Aisf Ali Zardari has finalised the name of Makhdum Shahabuddin for prime minister.

Pakistans ruling party has confirmed that it will choose front-runner Makhdoom Shahabuddin as its candidate for the vacant spot of prime minister.Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said Shahabuddin, considered a Pakistan Peoples Party loyalist, will file nomination papers in parliament later Thursday.The PPPs coalition has a majority in parliament and barring last minute surprises is expected to be able to vote him into office in a session scheduled for Friday.Outgoing premier Yousuf Raza Gilani was dismissed by the Supreme Court on Tuesday for contempt of court.The decision to nominate a replacement quickly means that the government is not defying the court order as some had predicted it might.