Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition in the dissolved National Assembly Raja Riaz on Saturday agreed to nominate Anwaarul Haq Kakar as the Caretaker Prime Minister.
According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) the decision was taken during a consultation meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Raja Riaz held at the PM House.
According to a press release issued by the PMO, the consultation process for the appointment of the caretaker prime minister was amicably completed.
"The prime minister and the leader of opposition jointly signed the advice for the appointment of the caretaker PM and sent it to the President of Pakistan," it added.
On the occasion, the prime minister thanked the leader of opposition for the role in the parliament during the last 16 months and the cooperation extended in the consultation process.
Speaking to the media after the meeting outside the PM House, Raja Riaz said that it was decided in the meeting that the caretaker prime minister would be from a smaller province.
He said that Kakar's name was suggested by him which was approved.
The development comes after President Dr Arif Alvi wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition Raja Riaz Ahmed to propose caretaker Prime Minister by today (August 12).
The President said the Constitution requires proposing of caretaker Prime Minister by them within three days of the dissolution of National Assembly.
He said the National Assembly was dissolved on Wednesday on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“As provided in Article 224 (1A) of the Constitution of Pakistan, the Prime Minister and leader of the Opposition in the outgoing National Assembly may propose a suitable person for the appointment of care-taker Prime Minister not later than 12th August,” wrote President Alvi.
Who is Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar?
Anwaarul Haq Kakar was elected as an independent senator from Balochistan province for a tenure of March 201 to March 2024 on general seat.
He was also working as chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, and as member of the Business Advisory Committee, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs and Science and Technology.
Kakar had co-launched a political party Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and also served as spokesman for the government of Balochistan.
The proposed caretaker prime minister is expected to take oath of his office soon after which he would announced his caretaker cabinet in a run up to the next general elections.
