Former Pakistani senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was sworn in on Monday as the country’s prime minister to head a caretaker national government that will oversee parliamentary elections amid one of the worst economic crises the Islamic nation has faced, officials said.
Mr Kakar, who is comparatively new to politics and known to be close to the powerful military, has been representing his Baluchistan province in the Senate since 2018.
President Arif Alvi administered the oath of office to him in a brief ceremony in Islamabad.
It is normal practice in Pakistan to appoint a caretaker administration for the election period.
Under the constitution, the election should take place in the next 90 days.
Pakistan gained independence when the departing British left India and split the subcontinent in 1947.
Monday’s festivities began with gun salutes in the capital, Islamabad, and in each of the four provincial capitals.
In Islamabad, President Arif Alvi hoisted the national flag at a ceremony attended by officials and other dignitaries.
On Sunday, a journalist, Jan Mohammad Mahar, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen as he was heading home in Sukkur, a district in southern Sindh province, police said. However, the motive behind the killing was unclear and officers said they are still investigating.
In his overnight farewell address to the nation, Mr Sharif asked his countrymen to “make the right decision” when they go to vote. He blamed Mr Khan for the economic crisis the country was facing when he came to power.
Mr Sharif replaced Mr Khan in April 2022 when he was ousted in a no-confidence vote in parliament.
But he remains a popular opposition politician and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party is expected to give a tough time to his main rival Mr Sharif’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League party in the elections.
Mr Khan himself would be unable to take part in the election unless his conviction is overturned as no-one with a criminal conviction can lead a party, run in elections or hold public office. He is appealed against the conviction.
