The current caretaker government led by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has set a record as the longest-serving interim administration in Pakistan’s history. This comes as the general elections, expected within 90 days after the National Assembly’s premature dissolution, are delayed due to the fresh delimitation of constituencies.
Since assuming office in August following the dissolution of the lower house, Prime Minister Kakar’s caretaker government has been in place for 131 days, surpassing the previous record held by Mian Muhammad Soomro, who led an interim government for 130 days from November 16, 2007, to March 24, 2008.
Prime Minister Kakar took the oath as the eighth caretaker premier on August 14, 2023. Notably, the delay in elections is attributed to the ongoing process of constituency delimitation.
In comparison, previous caretaker governments had shorter durations, with Justice Nasirul Mulk serving for 79 days in 2018, and Justice Mir Hazar Khan Khoso for 71 days in 2013. The current extended tenure reflects the unique circumstances surrounding the electoral process in Pakistan.
