Pakistan's longest-serving caretaker prime minister, Anwar ul Haq Kakar, assumed office on 14 August 2023, marking the country's 76th independence day. His selection for this temporary executive role followed a political career rooted in Balochistan, where he transitioned from provincial spokesperson to a national legislator before overseeing the administration during a period of significant policy shifts.
Early Background and Education
Born on 15 May 1971 in Qilla Saifullah, Balochistan, Kakar was raised in a middle-class Pashtun family. His early life was marked by the loss of his mother at age four and his father at eighteen. He attended St. Francis School in Quetta and Cadet College Kohat before pursuing higher education at the University of Balochistan, where he earned a master's degree in sociology and political science during the 1990s. He later attempted law studies at Birkbeck, University of London, but did not complete the degree, returning to Pakistan in 2005.
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Kakar entered formal politics in 2006 by joining the PML-Q. Following an unsuccessful bid for the National Assembly in 2008, he served as the spokesperson for the Chief Minister of Balochistan from 2015 to 2017. In 2016, he founded the NGO Voice of Balochistan to counter narratives surrounding human rights in the province. He helped establish the Balochistan Awami Party in 2018 and was elected to the Senate of Pakistan that same year, where he served on several committees, including those overseeing foreign affairs and finance.
Caretaker Prime Minister Tenure
Nominated by Raja Riaz and Shehbaz Sharif, Kakar served as caretaker prime minister until 4 March 2024. During his tenure, his government mandated that undocumented immigrants, including nearly 1.73 million Afghans, depart by November 2023. His administration also navigated controversies regarding the postponement of general elections beyond the constitutionally mandated 90-day window, citing security concerns. He further engaged in international discourse by calling for a ceasefire during the Gaza war.
Assets and Foreign Policy
Prior to his appointment as caretaker prime minister, Kakar declared a net worth of Rs. 48.2 million, or approximately US$170,000. His portfolio included inherited agricultural land, gold, and shares in Pakistan Chagai Mining Limited. In terms of foreign policy, he maintained a strategic focus on strengthening relations with China, the United States, and Gulf states. He is proficient in several languages, including Pashto, Urdu, Persian, English, Balochi, and Brahui.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 May 1971, Qilla Saifullah
- Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan: 2023-2024
- Senate membership: 2018-2023
- Political party founded: Balochistan Awami Party (2018)
- Languages spoken: Pashto, Urdu, Persian, English, Balochi, Brahui
- Reported net worth: Rs. 48.2 million (US$170,000)
Questions readers ask
Was Kakar ever a member of the Senate?
Yes, he served as a Senator from 2018 until his resignation in August 2023 to accept the role of caretaker prime minister.
What was the main policy move regarding immigrants during his tenure?
In October 2023, his government ordered undocumented immigrants to leave Pakistan voluntarily by November or face deportation.
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