ISLAMABAD: Anwarul Haq Kakar took the oath of office as Pakistan’s eighth interim prime minister on Monday, assuming a crucial role in overseeing the nation’s affairs during the upcoming election period. President Dr Arif Alvi administered the oath to Kakar in a solemn ceremony held at the President’s House in Islamabad, coinciding with Pakistan’s Independence Day.
The ceremony was attended by prominent political figures, including outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, and leaders from various political parties. High-ranking military officials, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, were also present, highlighting the significance of this transitional phase.
Donning a dignified grey suit, Kakar was administered the oath of caretaker prime minister office by President Arif Alvi. Following the oath-taking, Kakar received a guard of honor. His initial responsibility as interim premier will be to constitute a cabinet to guide the nation through the election process.
Anwarul Haq Kakar Assumes Office with Pledge for Impartiality and Fair Elections
Kakar’s appointment as the caretaker prime minister was announced on Saturday, culminating a series of consultations between Shehbaz Sharif and former opposition leader Raja Riaz. His selection followed days of speculation regarding the suitable candidate for the pivotal position.
In a statement preceding the ceremony, Shehbaz expressed his confidence in Kakar’s ability to ensure equitable elections. He emphasized that the consensus reached among all parties in favor of Kakar signifies the appropriate choice, lauding Kakar as an educated individual and a devoted patriot. The PML-N president asserted that Kakar’s appointment adhered to a constitutional process, substantiating his position as the most fitting candidate for the interim leadership.
براہِ راست: وزیرِ اعظم انوار الحق کاکڑ کو گارڈ آف آنر پیش کرنے کی تقریب https://t.co/hKPa9d1Vl8
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 14, 2023
Senate Chairman Accepts Anwarul Haq Kakar’s Resignation from Senate
Earlier in the day, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani accepted Kakar’s resignation from the upper house of Parliament. Kakar, who also founded the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) in 2018, made the decision to resign from both positions in pursuit of maintaining impartiality as interim premier. Citing the responsibility of ensuring free and fair elections in collaboration with the Election Commission of Pakistan, Kakar underscored his commitment to a transparent electoral process.
A notification released by the Senate Secretariat confirmed Kakar’s resignation from the Senate, acknowledging his principled stance on neutrality during his tenure as caretaker prime minister. As per the notification, his seat became vacant effective August 14.
