As the nation observed the 76th Independence Day with calls for unity, Pakistan has a new caretaker prime minister presiding over a divided country. Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has been sworn in to oversee parliamentary elections that will, hopefully, be held this year.
There have been already questions raised over appointing a serving senator for the post of interim prime minister. Kakar is comparatively new to politics beside stalwarts who tend to assume high office. Kakar had been serving as senator from Balochistan since 2018 and co-founded the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP). He has resigned from the Senate and his party, to be seen as an impartial prime minister who is tasked with the responsibility to conduct free and fair elections.
The PPP has remained mum about Kakar’s appointment, saying it handed over the responsibility to Shehbaz Sharif. PPP senior leader Khursheed Shah said the party was not aware of Kakar’s appointment and it would have been better if someone else was elected. Then the party quickly disowned the statement and welcomed the appointment. The silence of the top leadership could imply it will carefully look at the conduct of the new prime minister.
Another PDM ally, the ANP has also expressed displeasure over appointing a serving senator as the interim PM. ANP leader Aimal Wali questioned Kakar’s appointment and whether the member of the political party would remain impartial. While yet another PDM ally BNP chief Akhtar Mengal also expressed reservation and wrote a letter to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, saying the decision has “undermined democratic institutions” and “empowered non-democratic forces.”
It should be realized that even Nawaz Sharif might not be pleased as his nominations were not picked. He is planning a comeback which is hindered by a conviction. Shehbaz Sharif, on the other hand, has expressed confidence that Kakar will be able to conduct free, fair and transparent elections. As PM, Kakar would have to work closely with the election commission and this would be a huge responsibility given the challenges that lay ahead.
Kakar is also seen as close to the establishment and is taking reigns of the country at a time of heightened political crisis. With former prime minister Imran Khan behind bars and a fragile economic situation, it needs to be seen if he will be able to able face the complex challenges.
