Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) expressed hope that caretaker Prime Minister-designate Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar will ensure free, fair and transparent election within the constitution limit of three months in the country. Earlier in the day, Senator Kakar – a little-known senator hailing from Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) – has been selected as caretaker prime minister. The development came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing National Assembly Raja Riaz reached a consensus on the name of Kakar for the coveted slot during the second round of consultation. Later a summary to this effect was approved by President Arif Alvi under Article 224 1A.
Reacting to the development, a spokesperson of Imran Khan-led party said that a heavy responsibility is imposed on the caretaker premier.
The PTI spokesperson hoped that the caretaker prime minister will not allow any further damage to the constitutional and democratic rights of the people.
One of the prime responsibilities of a caretaker government is to provide equal opportunities to all political parties to run their election campaign, the spokesperson added.
Earlier, speaking to the media after a meeting with the PM, Riaz said: “We decided that the interim prime minister would be from a smaller province”. He said the main purpose was that the caretaker prime minister should be from a small province and a non-controversial personality. He said the aim was also to remove the sense of deprivation of small provinces. He said that Kakar’s name was suggested by him which was approved.
Responding to a question, Raja Riaz said that the caretaker prime minister is expected to take oath of his office on Sunday (today).
When asked about the caretaker cabinet, he said no discussion was held on it as the prerogative rests with the caretaker prime minister. Earlier, Designated caretaker prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Saturday extended gratitude to all the stakeholders for reposing their trust in him to lead the country.
Taking to the micro-blogging website X, he thanked the Almighty for being given an opportunity to serve the people of Pakistan.
Kakar further requested everyone for prayers that Allah gives him the fortitude to carry out his responsibilities with due diligence. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition Raja Riaz in the dissolved National Assembly had agreed to nominate Anwaarul Haq Kakar as the caretaker prime minister.
Later, Kakar was confirmed by President Arif Alvi as the choice of the outgoing coalition government, led by Shehbaz Sharif, and opposition leader Raja Riaz Ahmad.
The senator is set to become the eight caretaker prime minister of Pakistan.
The decision to nominate Kakar was taken during a consultation meeting held in the PM House between Raja Riaz and Prime Minister Sharif. The consultation process for the appointment of the caretaker prime minister was amicably completed.
