Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has been designated as the caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan in the newly established interim arrangement, following the dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9, 2023. The appointment received official endorsement from President Dr. Arif Alvi, who exercised authority granted by Article 224 (1A) of the Constitution.
Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, hailing from Qilla Saifullah in Balochistan, brings to his role a distinguished political trajectory. His election to the Senate in 2018 marked the beginning of an active role in various committees, including serving as the chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. Additionally, he has held membership in the Business Advisory Committee, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs, and Science and Technology committees.
Before his tenure in the upper house, Kakar held the position of spokesperson for the provincial government, showcasing his deep involvement in governance affairs. Known as an intellectual figure in the country, he holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Balochistan.
The selection of Kakar as the caretaker Prime Minister followed a consensus achieved during discussions in Islamabad between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition leader Raja Riaz. Both leaders jointly signed the recommendation, subsequently submitted to President Arif Alvi.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the Opposition Leader for his collaborative participation in the deliberations leading to the nomination of the caretaker Prime Minister. During a media interaction, Opposition Leader Raja Riaz revealed that the name of Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was proposed by him, which the Prime Minister endorsed. The choice of Kakar was strategically made to ensure representation from a smaller province and to select a non-controversial personality, aiming to address regional disparities.
In response to queries, Raja Riaz disclosed that the caretaker Prime Minister is anticipated to take the oath of office in the near future. Regarding the composition of the caretaker cabinet, he clarified that no discussions were held on this matter during the talks. The authority to finalize the names of the caretaker cabinet members rests with the caretaker Prime Minister.