Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, a 73-year-old chartered accountant and politician belonging to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, has been appointed as the state’s Deputy Prime Minister in a surprising move. The announcement was made on Sunday through a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, with the Prime Minister appointing Dar “with immediate effect and until further orders.”
The decision to appoint Dar to this key position came when both Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar were in Saudi Arabia to attend a World Economic Forum’s meeting. The detail of Dar’s role as Deputy Prime Minister were not immediately clarified; the Prime Minister typically holds most executive powers in the Pakistani government.
Background of the New Deputy PM
Ishaq Dar has a history of serving in many governmental roles. Despite his reputation as PML-N’s finance expert, Dar was surprisingly appointed as Foreign Minister when Shehbaz Sharif formed his Cabinet in March. Throughout his political career, Dar has held various ministerial positions, including Finance Minister in two previous governments.
Dar’s appointment as Deputy Prime Minister wasn’t without precursory events. Previously, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi had served as Deputy Prime Minister during the rule of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) from 25 June, 2012 to 29 June, 2013. However, during Elahi’s term, the role was primarily symbolic, serving as a symbol of gratitude from then-President Asif Ali Zardari for supporting the PPP’s government.
Party Dynamics and Structure
The appointment of Dar as Deputy Prime Minister appears to be a strategic move within the PML-N leadership. Insiders have claimed that the decision was jointly made by Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif.
Moreover, Dar’s appointment comes amidst preparations are underway for the PML-N’s general council meeting scheduled for 11 May in Lahore. During this meeting, Nawaz Sharif is expected to be re-elected as party president.
Furthermore, there were speculations about Dar being appointed Senate chairman, but this opportunity was lost after a deal between the PML-N and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
The PML-N and the PPP had formed a coalition government despite the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) winning a majority of seats in the National Assembly.
Future Prospects in Pakistan
Despite challenges and changing roles, Dar remains a central figure within the PML-N. His appointment as Deputy Prime Minister portrays his close ties to the Sharif family as well as his influence within the party.
Comments 1