Anwaarul Haq Kakar, a senator from the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), has announced his resignation from the Senate and his party after being chosen as Pakistan’s eighth caretaker prime minister. Kakar expressed his decision to step down in order to fulfill his responsibilities as the interim PM. He shared the news on social media, requesting prayers from the public.
The announcement came after discussions between outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition Leader Raja Riaz, as well as days of speculation regarding the potential candidate for the interim PM role. Kakar’s surprise nomination was met with positive reactions from various political parties, indicating broad acceptance within the ruling coalition led by PM Shehbaz.
However, some members of the opposition expressed reservations about Kakar’s selection. Syed Khursheed Shah, a leader from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), mentioned that his party had proposed three better options. However, other members from the PPP clarified that they did not have any reservations about Kakar’s appointment. Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the chief of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), conveyed his disappointment to PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, citing lack of consultation with allied parties in the decision-making process.
Kakar’s purported closeness to the country’s establishment has also raised concerns among some political observers. As one of the founding members of the BAP, which is believed to have the backing of the establishment, Kakar’s appointment has been met with skepticism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Kakar on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections. The approval of the 2023 digital census has likely postponed the elections, as fresh delimitation will take time. Shehbaz thanked Raja Riaz, the former opposition leader, for their consultations in the selection process. He emphasized the importance of maintaining progress and stability in the country for the nation’s development.