In a significant development, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and opposition leader Raja Riaz have reached an agreement to appoint Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar as the caretaker prime minister in preparation for the upcoming elections. The decision comes as the nation grapples with economic and political challenges, with Kakar set to lead a temporary government until a new administration is elected.
Senator Kakar, a relatively lesser-known politician hailing from the southwestern province of Balochistan, will be tasked with forming a cabinet and overseeing the nation’s affairs during this transitional period. This appointment is of heightened significance due to the additional powers bestowed upon the caretaker prime minister in making policy decisions on economic matters.
The joint agreement between Prime Minister Sharif and opposition leader Raja Riaz has been formalized through their signatures on the official advice. The next step involves seeking approval from President Arif Alvi, which, as reported by Pakistan’s Geo News, has already been granted.
The Pakistani constitution stipulates that a neutral caretaker government assumes the responsibility of overseeing national elections within 90 days of the lower house of the parliament’s dissolution. In the present context, this deadline translates to early November. The selection of a caretaker prime minister is of utmost importance, given the intricate tasks at hand, including the redrawing of boundaries for numerous federal and provincial constituencies by the Election Commission. The new electoral boundaries will play a pivotal role in determining the election date.
Amid concerns that the elections may face delays of up to six months, the role of the caretaker prime minister assumes a crucial role in maintaining stability and guiding the nation through this transitional phase. With the responsibilities to form a cabinet and make decisions on pressing economic matters, Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is poised to steer Pakistan towards a seamless electoral process during these challenging times.
The Chenab Times News Desk