ISLAMABAD: Outgoing Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, received a dignified guard of honour at the Prime Minister House on Monday, marking the formal handover of his responsibilities to the newly appointed Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwarul Haq Kakar.
As contingents of the armed forces rendered a salute, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed the guard of honour, symbolizing the transition of leadership.
During the ceremony, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar bid farewell to the outgoing prime minister, acknowledging the significance of the responsibilities that lay ahead.
Meanwhile, Anwarul Haq Kakar assumed the role of Pakistan’s eighth interim prime minister in a solemn ceremony held at the President’s House in Islamabad. President Dr Arif Alvi administered the oath of office to Kakar, coinciding with Pakistan’s Independence Day.
براہِ راست: سابق وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کو وزیراعظم ہاؤس میں گارڈ آف آنر پیش کیا جا رہا ہے۔ https://t.co/YY5SqnnwqH
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 14, 2023
Shehbaz Sharif Expresses Confidence in Kakar
Distinguished political figures, including outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, and leaders from various political parties attended the ceremony. High-ranking military officials, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, were also present on the occasion.
Clad in a dignified grey suit, Anwarul Haq Kakar took the oath of office as the caretaker prime minister, administered by President Arif Alvi. Following the oath-taking, Kakar received a guard of honour and formally assumed the interim premier role.
Anwarul Haq Kakar’s appointment as the caretaker prime minister followed a series of consultations between Shehbaz Sharif and former opposition leader Raja Riaz. The selection of Kakar as the caretaker leader emerged after days of speculation, highlighting his suitability for the critical position.
In a statement preceding the ceremony, Shehbaz Sharif expressed his confidence in Kakar’s capacity to ensure equitable and transparent elections. The consensus among various political parties in favor of Kakar underscores his suitability for the role, commending his education and patriotism.
