As Pakistan stands at this crossroads, the unanticipated alleviation of a dark horse or unexpected appointment of Anwaar ul Haq Kakar serves as a reminder of the complex tapestry of its political landscape. With a web of alliances, personal interests, and public expectations mingled, the true nature of his role as a caretaker premier and the upcoming elections remains a puzzle to unfold. As Pakistan navigates this uncertain terrain, one thing is certain the nation’s political narrative is a riveting story that continues to captivate and surprise. As the curtain falls on the parliamentary term elected in 2018, Pakistan braces for yet another chapter in its democratic journey. The brief reign of this parliament, though not surpassing its predecessors in longevity, seemed to stretch on amid the tumultuous events that marked its tenure. With the baton now passed to the caretaker prime minister, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, an unexpected figure in the spotlight, the nation grapples with questions of both his suitability and the prevailing political climate.
Hailing from the Balochistan Awami Party, Kakar’s decision to relinquish his party affiliation and Senate seat is seen as a positive stride towards the neutrality required of a caretaker premier. However, the endorsement of his nomination raises eyebrows. Is this reception a result of Kakar’s personal affability or a reflection of the prevailing mood, where few dare to challenge the decisions of the influential few? While the honors pour in, doubts persist about the selection process that brought Kakar to the fore. Murmurs of discontent emanate from politicians of the previous government, who claim to have been kept in the dark about Kakar’s emergence as a dark horse. Khursheed Shah’s revelation that his party was unaware of Kakar’s nomination was followed by mixed signals from the PPP. Shazia Marri denied any reservations, yet Akhtar Mengal’s strongly worded letter underlines the undercurrents of dissatisfaction.
The story behind Kakar’s selection, masked in intrigue, is a teasing mystery waiting to be unraveled. In a nation where storytelling is a tradition, the sequence of events leading to his nomination is poised to surface sooner or later, revealing the complexities of Pakistani politics. In the midst of this enigma, questions arise about the pivotal role of Raja Riaz, who many anticipated would be the key decision maker. Did Shehbaz Sharif, a figure pivotal in the selection process, defy expectations? Did he choose his family’s interest over alliances? Was it, perhaps, an acceptance of inevitable realities? With the legislative stage set and leverage waning, PML-N’s sway was limited, rendering the party’s preferences subordinate to the exigencies of the moment.
Sardar Mengal’s letter, though seemingly minor, holds a deeper significance. It underscores how Kakar’s appointment might be perceived in his home province, Balochistan. Can the caretaker prime minister assuage regional discontent or bridge the divide? While his primary role is overseeing elections, the implications of his elevation in a province plagued by discord cannot be disregarded. As the nation anticipates the upcoming elections, a palpable sentiment of delay permeates the atmosphere. A cloud of uncertainty shrouds the timeframe, with even the prospect of elections within three months deemed improbable. This anticipation is not devoid of rationale, intertwined with the PTI’s popularity and the necessity for economic reform.
Should elections be delayed, the caretaker setup may be tasked with making critical decisions. Economic reforms, from privatization to subsidy cuts, will carry social costs, potentially inciting backlash and exacerbating existing challenges. The burden of these choices falls on the caretaker government, raising the question of whether Kakar and his cabinet can withstand the pressures of such crucial policy changes.