The appointment of BAP Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar as the interim prime minister by the outgoing coalition government has caused further rift between the allied parties PML-N and Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), according to a letter written by BNP-M chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday.
In his letter, Mengal expressed reservations about the government’s decision to choose Kakar as the interim premier without consulting with allied parties. He also mentioned the lack of transparency in the legislative process and expressed disappointment in the party’s actions, hoping for more understanding based on past experiences.
Kakar was named the caretaker prime minister after a consensus was reached between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition Leader Raja Riaz. The initial positive reactions to Kakar’s nomination demonstrated his acceptability to all political parties, especially those part of the ruling coalition led by Shehbaz Sharif. Additionally, the BAP is believed to have the support of the country’s establishment.
Mengal criticized politicians for seeking solutions from the establishment instead of resolving issues through political means. He referred to a letter he had written to Sharif in July, expressing hope that the issues would decrease by now, but instead, they have increased. He highlighted the reliance on “establishment’s consultation” instead of addressing them politically.
Mengal expressed disappointment in the failure of the party to learn from past hardships and the quick forgetfulness of the conspiracies and unconstitutional actions of previous military regimes. He accused the party of weakening democratic institutions by making decisions without involving allies, thereby strengthening undemocratic powers.
He emphasized the need for decisions to be made with the confidence of allies to reduce mistrust between larger and smaller provinces. Mengal criticized the prioritization of self-interest and future government plans at the expense of human rights and the well-being of the people of Balochistan.
Mengal concluded the letter by stating that Kakar’s nomination as interim prime minister not only put an end to his own politics but also created more distance between the PML-N and BNP-M. Kakar, who hails from Balochistan, will be the eighth caretaker prime minister. President Arif Alvi has signed the summary regarding his appointment.
The BNP-M, which was previously allied with the PTI in 2018, joined the PDM to bring down Imran Khan’s government. Mengal’s party has since expressed discomfort with the PML-N-led coalition’s policies, hinting at a possible separation.