The appointment of Balochistan Awami Party’s Anwar ul Haq Kakar as the caretaker Prime Minister has caught many off guard, considering he was not initially amongst the frontrunner. However, in our view both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition Leader Raja Riaz have made a very apt decision. Kakar’s credentials showcase his experience and intellectual acumen as well as his ability to take along all political parties that also have reacted positively to his appointment. He is being dubbed as a non-controversial personality.
It won’t be wrong to say that Kakar is assuming these responsibilities at a critical time. On the one hand, the country is faced with serious economic challenges while on the other hand political situation is very tense with qualms being expressed about potential delay in general elections. The first major test for the caretaker PM will be selection of a cabinet team, consisting of individuals with integrity and dedication, in order to effectively guide the country through this period of transition. The economic challenges are such that the caretaker government cannot remain oblivious to. Economic experts are also insisting that it will have to take decisions that ensure the inflow of dollars through investment. For this, they are suggesting privatisation of some state owned enterprises. We believe that caretaker government can take some difficult decisions that political parties often refrain from because of fear of political cost.
Then most important challenge for the caretakers is to ensure free, fair and transparent conduct of general elections without giving impression of any inclination towards any party. Since Shehbaz-led coalition government approved the digital census 2023 results, elections will now be held on the basis of fresh delimitation, an exercise that may take up to four months. The priority of caretakers should be that elections are not delayed beyond six months period. It is only through showing respect to the constitution and law that we can take the country forward. There are great expectations from Anwar ul Haq Kakar and we expect that he will discharge his responsibilities in most efficient manner.
