The Pakistani government announced the appointment of a caretaker prime minister, marking the beginning of preparations for the upcoming general elections. This decision comes after a year of political turmoil and highlights the significant influence of the military in Pakistani politics. Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, the new leader, is closely tied to the military, solidifying their control over the country. Khalid Mahmood Rasool, a political analyst, refers to Kakar as “a choice of the establishment,” emphasizing the military’s endorsement.
Shehbaz Sharif, the outgoing prime minister, who also has close ties to the military, concluded his term on Thursday. As per the Pakistani protocol, a caretaker government must be established to oversee the next general elections.
The timing of Kakar’s appointment coincides with speculation that the elections, initially expected in the fall, will be delayed until next spring at the earliest. This decision follows a dramatic week in Pakistani politics, with the arrest and sentencing of former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan’s conviction stemmed from a corruption case, marking the climax of a year-long political standoff between him and the military. Despite being ousted in April 2022 through a vote of no confidence, Khan has remained a formidable force in Pakistani politics, rallying supporters and criticizing military leaders for their behind-the-scenes control over the struggling democracy.
In response to Khan’s defiance, the military launched a crackdown on his supporters, severely weakening his party. This crackdown culminated in Khan’s imprisonment, highlighting the unwavering dominance of the military in Pakistan.
Due to his conviction, Khan has been barred from running for office for five years. He is currently appealing his sentence, which will determine his political future as well as the country’s. Khan is also facing several other court cases that he alleges are politically motivated revenge.
Kakar is set to be sworn in as the interim prime minister within a week. However, doubts have emerged regarding whether the country will be able to hold the elections within the usual 60 to 90-day timeframe after the dissolution of Parliament. The outgoing government has declared that new electoral boundaries based on the latest census must be established before the next general elections, a process that could take at least six months.
The potential delay in elections is believed to benefit the military establishment as it would allow the political climate to cool off before citizens head to the polls. Analysts also suggest that Khan’s fate and public support will significantly impact the evolving political atmosphere.
The legacy of Shehbaz Sharif, the outgoing prime minister and younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, is mixed. He claimed his greatest accomplishment was securing a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund to prevent economic default. However, his tenure was marked by economic struggles, high inflation, and damage from devastating floods. Sharif also faced challenges in maintaining his political coalition, and his image was tarnished by questionable actions to resolve legal cases involving his family and allies.
Critics argue that Sharif’s government failed to protect civil liberties, allowed undue military influence in politics, and implemented a harsh crackdown against Khan’s party, resulting in the imprisonment of key leaders and workers.
The incoming interim prime minister, Kakar, hails from Balochistan, one of Pakistan’s least populous provinces, and enjoys broad support across the political spectrum. He is known for his center-right political and religious views, which enhance his credibility within religious circles and religio-political parties. Kakar is regarded as a seasoned political activist with strong media and public relations skills, having worked with various parties in different capacities.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
