ISLAMABAD: Former Senator Anwarul Haq Kakar has taken the oath as country’s 8th caretaker prime minister on Monday.
The oath was administered to the former Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leader by President Arif Alvi in a ceremony held at the President House.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present at the swearing-in ceremony.
Also present on the occasion were Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, caretaker chief ministers of Khyber Pakhtukhwa and Punjab, and former federal ministers.
Caretaker Prime Minister Karar was later presented a guard of honor in a ceremony at the Prime Minister House.
A smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan’s armed forces presented the guard of honor. The national anthem was also played on the occasion.
On Sunday, the interim Premier had decided to resign from his Senate membership as well as his BAP affiliation.
Sources privy to the matter confirmed that Kakar took this step to uphold the stance of complete neutrality during the upcoming crucial political phase.
The interim premier is a prominent figure within the BAP and secured his seat in the Senate in March 2018. His tenure as a senator was slated to conclude in March 2024.
Earlier on Sunday, Kakar thanked the political parties who welcomed his appointment, and vowed to fulfil his responsibilities to the best of his ability.
He said that he would strive to fulfil his duties to the best of his abilities, and that he would work for the betterment of the country.
Later, following the ceremony, former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif departed from the Prime Minister House as he handed over the responsibilities of his office to the newly appointed caretaker prime minister.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar saw his predecessor off.
Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed the guard of honour as contingents of the armed forces presented a salute to him.
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