In the initial phase of assembling the caretaker federal cabinet, 18 Members have officially taken their oaths of office, marking a significant step in the transitional period for the government.
The swearing-in ceremony for these ministers occurred at the esteemed Presidential residence, where President Dr. Arif Alvi administered the oath to the members of the caretaker cabinet.
Comprising the cabinet are also seven special assistants to the Prime Minister, reflecting a diverse and comprehensive assembly of officials. The oath-taking event saw the presence of several prominent figures, including caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar.
The composition of the interim federal cabinet is as follows:
- Senator Sarfaraz Bugti: Interior Minister
- Dr. Shamshad Akhtar: Finance Minister
- Dr. Umar Saif: Minister for Information Technology and Telecom
- Journalist Murtaza Solangi: Information and Broadcasting Minister
- Shahid Ashraf Tarar: Postal Services Minister
- Retired Lieutenant General Anwar Ali Haider: Defense Minister
- Jalil Abbas Jilani: Foreign Affairs Minister
- Dr. Nadeem Jan: Health Minister
- Actor Jamal Shah: Culture Minister
- Aneeq Ahmed: Religious Affairs Minister
- Mushaal Malik: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Human Rights
Moreover, Gohar Ijaz, Shahid Ashraf Tarar, Ahmed Irfan, and Irfan Ahmed Aslam have also taken the oath as ministers within the interim cabinet.
Noteworthy among them is Dr. Saif, who previously served as the Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board and has earned international recognition for his accomplishments in the technology sector. Solangi, having previously held the position of Director General of Radio Pakistan, brings a wealth of experience to his role. Bugti, with past experience as the Home Minister of Balochistan, and Dr. Akhtar, who formerly served as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, further enrich the diverse makeup of the interim cabinet.
Caretaker PM Expresses Gratitude and Focus
Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar affirmed the caretaker government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring free and equitable elections within the nation.
In a tweet, he conveyed his appreciation to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for his well-wishes. Kakar emphasized the value of the partnership between the two nations, emphasizing shared commitments to democratic stability and economic prosperity within the region.
Antony Blinken also conveyed his congratulations to Anwaarul Haq Kakar through a tweet on assuming his role as caretaker Prime Minister.
Read more: Introducing Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar: Pakistan’s New Caretaker Prime Minister
Consultation with Political Figures
The caretaker premier also engaged in a phone conversation with PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, expressing his inquiries about Shujaat’s well-being and seeking his insights on political matters.
During the conversation, Shujaat Hussain expressed hope for economic advancements during the caretaker administration led by PM Kakar. Furthermore, he advised Kakar to actively involve all political stakeholders in addressing the nation’s challenges.
As the interim government takes its initial steps, the focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and the nation’s progress remains at the forefront of the caretaker administration’s agenda.
