Kakar leaves BAP, Senate seat for neutrality

Interim-PM designate aims to show commitment to overseeing general polls without hint of partisan influence

ISLAMABAD:

 

Anwaarul Haq Kakar, the newly appointed caretaker prime minister, made a significant announcement on Sunday, resigning from his position within the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and relinquishing his Senate seat. This decision is being interpreted as a deliberate move to underscore the impartiality of his new role.

Taking to his Twitter account, the prospective interim prime minister conveyed his decision: "In light of the profound responsibility entrusted to me as caretaker prime minister, I have chosen to step down from my membership in the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and vacate my Senate position."

Kakar's departure from BAP, a political entity often linked with influential circles and perceived as having ties with the establishment, carries significant symbolism. By disassociating himself from the party, Kakar appears to be aiming to project an image of neutrality and emphasize his dedication to overseeing the forthcoming general elections without any taint of partisan influence.

However, the circumstances surrounding Kakar's appointment have not been devoid of controversy. The decision has already strained relations between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M).

Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the head of BNP-M, expressed reservations on Twitter regarding the PML-N's selection of Kakar as the caretaker prime minister and the perceived reliance on establishment support to address the nation's challenges.

In a letter addressed to PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, Mengal lamented the trend of politicians seeking the establishment's involvement in resolving various issues.
On Saturday, President Dr. Arif Alvi approved Kakar's appointment as the country's caretaker prime minister after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Raja Riaz agreed on his nomination. The premier and opposition leader finalized Kakar's name during a meeting at the Prime Minister's House earlier that day. They promptly signed and submitted the recommendation to the president for final endorsement, which President Alvi promptly granted under Article 224-1A of the Constitution.

Although Kakar's appointment has been ratified, presidential officials have indicated that he will take the oath of office on August 14, Independence Day (which falls on Monday).

Following his designation, Kakar's appointment received both accolades and skepticism. While many welcomed his selection, some perceived the choice of a BAP leader as caretaker prime minister to be influenced by powerful stakeholders within the country. This perception was rooted in the notion that BAP was closely associated with influential circles, a point the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) led by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had previously used to attribute political challenges.

Nevertheless, Kakar will soon assume his role and assemble a cabinet, tasked primarily with organizing general elections within 90 days of the National Assembly's dissolution.

Concerns have arisen among key ministers of the former ruling coalition regarding a potential delay in conducting the polls. These concerns surfaced following the Council of Common Interests' decision to base the elections on the new census, necessitating the redrawing of constituency boundaries within 120 days.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is also required to provide a 54-day timeframe for finalizing the election schedule within the 90-day period.

These developments cast doubts on the feasibility of holding the elections on schedule, although the ECP has not yet commented on the matter.

In any case, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended congratulations to Kakar on his selection as caretaker prime minister, expressing confidence in his ability to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections.

In a statement, the outgoing premier lauded the consensus reached on Kakar's nomination through a constitutional process and highlighted the significance of maintaining the nation's progress, prosperity, and economic stability.

PM Shehbaz's statement concluded with well wishes for his interim successor and the upcoming caretaker administration.