Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, a member of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and a lawmaker, has been chosen as the interim prime minister, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office released on Saturday.
This decision was made following a second round of discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Raja Riaz, the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing National Assembly. President Arif Alvi approved this decision based on Article 224 1A. Raja Riaz, speaking to the media after the meeting, stated that they agreed upon selecting an interim prime minister from a smaller province.
The primary objective behind this decision was to appoint an interim prime minister from a less populous province who possesses a non-controversial reputation. The intent was also to address the feelings of neglect in smaller provinces.
Raja Riaz, who proposed the name of Kakar, mentioned that the nominee’s approval was secured. In response to a question, Raja Riaz conveyed that the caretaker Prime Minister is anticipated to take the oath of office on Sunday.
Regarding the caretaker cabinet, he clarified that no discussions took place on that matter as it falls under the jurisdiction of the caretaker prime minister.
This development followed a letter from President Dr. Arif Alvi to PM Shehbaz, reminding them to propose a suitable candidate for the interim prime minister position by August 12 (Saturday).
Who is Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar?
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, now designated as the caretaker prime minister of Pakistan, is a political figure from Balochistan.
In 2018, Kakar was elected to the Senate and has been an actively engaged politician. He previously served as the spokesperson for the provincial government before his election to the upper house.
Senior anchorperson Hamid Mir highlighted Kakar’s role as a prominent intellectual in the country, despite his political involvement. He belongs to the Kakar tribe and represents both Pashtuns and Balochs.
Furthermore, Kakar has established positive relations with major political parties, including PML-N and PPP.
In 2008, he contested the National Assembly election from Quetta under the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid ticket. He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and Sociology and is an alumnus of the University of Balochistan.
What does Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s selection signify?
Analyzing this development, anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada noted that both PML-N and PPP had suggested that a politician could be chosen for this significant position.
Khanzada explained that it was evident from the outset that if a politician was nominated by fellow politicians, the Prime Minister’s recommendation would be followed. On the other hand, if the nominee came from the state, the Leader of the Opposition’s suggestion would be considered, as has occurred.
The shared concern of both politics and the state was to ensure the continuation of economic policies, which PM Shehbaz Sharif takes credit for.
Another issue raised by politicians was the duration of the caretaker setup, considering the new census. Kakar’s appointment as the caretaker PM suggests confidence from both the government and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) that elections won’t be substantially delayed, and political and economic matters will persist.
This appointment also signifies the PDM’s interest in shaping the country’s political direction and maintaining continuity.
Addressing concerns about Kakar’s affiliation with BAP, a coalition partner in the Shehbaz Sharif government, Khanzada mentioned that Kakar and his party maintained favorable relations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during its tenure, and he was among those consulted by former PM Imran Khan on Balochistan matters.
Khanzada suggested that Kakar’s conduct in the coming days will demonstrate his impartiality and focus on his primary tasks of conducting elections and ensuring economic policy continuity, avoiding opportunities for criticism.