ISLAMABAD: On Saturday, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar temporarily assumed the responsibilities of the interim interior minister. Sources revealed that the decision on the appointment of a new interior minister has not been finalized.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar will serve as the interim overseer of the interior ministry until the appointment of a new interim interior minister is finalized.
Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti Resigns, Cites Personal Reasons
Earlier, caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti tendered his resignation from the position, with reports suggesting his intention to join the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The resignation, submitted on December 13, was reportedly accepted by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, marking Bugti’s departure from the caretaker cabinet.
This move aligns with a broader trend of political realignments and resignations by officials as the country prepares for the upcoming elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has intervened in the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision, which suspended the appointment of Returning Officers (ROs) and District Returning Officers (DROs) from the bureaucracy.
The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to promptly issue the election schedule, underscoring the importance of adhering to the established timeline.
A contempt of court notice was also issued to Barrister Umair Niazi, representing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for seeking the appointment of ROs and DROs from the judiciary rather than the executive.
The Election Commission of Pakistan had initially announced the general elections for February 8, 2024. In response to the Supreme Court’s directives, the ECP reaffirmed its commitment to conducting fair elections and emphasized its determination to adhere to the election schedule.
These legal and political developments underscore the complexities and challenges surrounding the electoral process in Pakistan, with key stakeholders navigating legal proceedings, strategic alignments, and the imperative to ensure a transparent and timely electoral process.
