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Will Anwar Ul Haq Kakar be Able to Hold Free and Fair Elections?

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Amjad Jogezai

Anwar Ul Haq Kakar is a Pakistani politician who is Pakistan’s current Caretaker Prime Minister. He has been a Member of the Senate of Pakistan since March 2018. He was nominated by the outgoing opposition leader and the outgoing prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and approved by President Arif Alvi on August 12, 2023123.

A critical evaluation of his life profile would require looking at his background, political career, achievements and challenges, and vision for the country. Here are some possible points to consider:

Kakar belongs to the Kakar tribe of Pashtun, who are primarily scattered across Northern Balochistan. He is a senator from Balochistan, Pakistan’s least-populous and most underdeveloped province. He may have faced discrimination and marginalization as a member of an ethnic minority in a predominantly Punjabi-dominated country. He may also have witnessed the violence and instability that has plagued Balochistan for decades due to separatist movements, militant groups, and state repression. He may have a strong sense of identity, loyalty to his province and his people, and a desire to address their grievances and aspirations.

Kakar was elected to the Senate of Pakistan as an independent candidate in a general seat from Balochistan in 2018. He co-launched a new political party, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), in March 2018. BAP is widely considered to be close to the country’s powerful military establishment, which has been discussed of interfering in politics and undermining civilian rule by a number of political parties. Kakar may have benefited from the military’s support and influence but may have compromised his political autonomy and credibility. He may have faced criticism and opposition from other political parties, especially anti-establishment or pro-democracy. He may have also faced resistance from some segments of the Baloch population, who may view him as a puppet.

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Kakar has been named as the caretaker prime minister to oversee the national elections, which are expected to be held within 90 days. This is a significant achievement for him, as he is the first person from Balochistan to hold this position. He can demonstrate his leadership skills and impartiality in conducting free and fair elections. He may also have a chance to highlight the issues and concerns of Balochistan and other smaller provinces and to promote national unity and harmony.
However, he also faces many challenges, such as managing a country that has been in political turmoil since a no-confidence vote dismissed former prime minister Imran Khan in April 20221, and which is also facing overlapping economic and security issues. He may have to deal with the fallout of Khan’s conviction on corruption charges last weekend, which sparked protests and violence by his supporters. He may also have to cope with the pressure and expectations from various stakeholders, including the military, the judiciary, the media, civil society, and the international community.

Kakar still needs to reveal his vision or agenda for the country as the caretaker prime minister. He may need more scope and authority to implement major policy changes or reforms during his short tenure. However, he may have some influence on setting the tone and direction for the upcoming elections and the future government. He may have goals or priorities he wants to pursue or promote, such as improving governance, strengthening democracy, enhancing security, boosting development, addressing inequality, resolving conflicts, or fostering cooperation. He may also have values or principles he wants to uphold or adhere to, such as honesty, integrity, justice, accountability, transparency, or inclusiveness.

Lastly, his only constitutional obligation is to hold timely and transparent elections. Therefore, his performance and evaluations shall be carried out only per the single agenda of holding free and fair elections.

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