Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, a relatively obscure politician believed to have strong ties with the military, took the oath of office today, Monday, as the caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan before President Arif Alvi. He will oversee the upcoming general elections amid the country’s political and economic crises. Kakar hails from the southwestern province of Balochistan and will be responsible for forming a caretaker government until a new government is elected.
Kakar resigned from his Senate membership and from the Balochistan Awami Party, which is widely believed to have close associations with the powerful Pakistani military. Kakar, 52, stated on Sunday, "In light of the principal responsibility entrusted to me as the caretaker Prime Minister, I have decided to forfeit my membership in the Balochistan Awami Party and resign from my position in the Senate. I ask all of you to pray for me."
The military continues to play a significant behind-the-scenes role in Pakistan. It has directly ruled the country for over three decades and exerts considerable influence in political affairs. Political analysts suggest that if the caretaker government lasts beyond the constitutionally stipulated period, the prolonged absence of an elected government would allow the military to tighten its grip on the country.
According to the constitution of Pakistan, a neutral caretaker government is to oversee general elections, which should be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assembly, implying elections should occur by early November in this case. However, the elections may be delayed as the electoral commission needs to restructure hundreds of federal and provincial constituencies, which will affect the election schedule.
Economic stability poses the greatest challenge, alongside efforts to rescue the $350 billion economy from its financial distress after a $3 billion International Monetary Fund bailout plan helped avert a sovereign default. Pakistan is grappled with soaring inflation and interest rates at record levels. Political uncertainty is also a challenge following the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his barring from running in elections. Continued imprisonment could raise concerns about the credibility of the elections.
