In a twist that caught citizens, analysts, and even some members of the outgoing government off guard, Pakistan has ushered in a new era with the appointment of Anwaar ul Haq Kakar as its interim prime minister.
Hailing from the Balochistan province, Senator Kakar’s sudden rise to power came about as outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gracefully stepped aside, allowing a caretaker administration to oversee the upcoming elections, as mandated by the constitution. However, due to potential delays, Kakar’s tenure might extend well beyond the original November deadline.
Marking a significant moment, Kakar took his oath of office on Pakistan’s Independence Day, emphasizing his gratitude to the people and stakeholders for entrusting him with leadership responsibilities.
Kakar’s ascent, though seemingly out of the blue, is believed by experts to be the military establishment’s choice. As political analyst Asad Toor reveals, the military leadership had been planning Kakar’s prominent role in the caretaker setup for over a month. This strategic move aims to consolidate the military’s influence on the political system, especially after a period of upheaval, including the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his confrontations with the army.
Amid this backdrop, Kakar and the military face the daunting task of tackling a struggling economy and rising security threats. The recent attack on a convoy transporting Chinese workers highlighted the precarious security situation, underscoring the need for swift and effective action.
A Profile of Kakar: From Student Politics to National Stage
Born in Balochistan in 1971, Kakar’s journey into politics began with active involvement in student politics, eventually leading him to graduate in political science from the University of Balochistan. He further pursued studies in the UK but returned to Pakistan in 2005 to contribute to his homeland’s political landscape.
With a history of unsuccessful bids for political office, Kakar’s resilience paid off in 2018 when he was elected to the Senate with the support of defectors from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. His media-savvy reputation and alignment with the military’s policies in Balochistan garnered attention and propelled him into a position of influence.
As Kakar steps into the spotlight, opinions within the political spectrum vary. Shahzada Zulfiqar, a seasoned political analyst, views his appointment positively, highlighting the infusion of youthful dynamism. However, some tensions have arisen, notably within the outgoing ruling coalition, as Akhtar Mengal of the Balochistan National Party criticized Kakar’s selection.
Expectations loom large for Kakar’s administration, which is poised to exert pressure on Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. While Khan remains incarcerated and politically restricted, the interim government’s grasp on power could last longer due to proposed legislative changes and the imperative of addressing financial agreements.
The decision to potentially delay elections is raising eyebrows. While the pretext is redrawing the electoral map following the latest census and deteriorating security conditions, some experts speculate on additional motives. As the March election deadline approaches, the outcome of handling the “Imran Khan problem” could influence whether the elections proceed as planned.
In this ever-evolving political landscape, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar’s tenure as interim prime minister holds the potential to redefine Pakistan’s trajectory, as the nation navigates challenges and opportunities on the road ahead.