ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed the seasoned politician and current Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, as the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan. This appointment has been made to be carried out effective immediately, per the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of Pakistan.
Ishaq Dar, a stalwart of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has long been a key figure in Pakistani politics. His career is marked by multiple tenures as the Finance Minister of Pakistan, where he was recognised for his efforts in steering the country’s economy through a variety of challenges. Dar’s recent role as the Foreign Minister was also noted for his diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s foreign relations.
The appointment of the incumbent Deputy Prime Minister, who has written a number of op-eds for this paper before, is seen as a strategic move by the prime minister Shehbaz Sharif to consolidate power within the PML-N and to ensure smooth governance. Dar’s extensive experience in economic and financial matters is expected to complement Sharif’s efforts in addressing Pakistan’s current economic challenges, including fiscal deficits, inflation, and the need for structural reforms.
Dar’s appointment could bring more stability to the Sharif government, which has been facing political upheaval and opposition challenges. His experience and political acumen are likely to fortify the government’s position both in the parliament and in public perception.
Dar’s appointment is also likely to strengthen internal cohesion within the PML-N by ensuring that a trusted and experienced leader holds a pivotal role in the government. This move could also help pacify various factions within the party and align them under a unified strategy.
With his extensive experience in governance and administration, Dar is expected to enhance the government’s capacity to implement policies and navigate through the complex bureaucracy that often hinders policy implementation in Pakistan.
As Pakistan grapples with economic instability, Dar’s expertise in finance will be pivotal. His role in previous governments was marked by attempts to stabilise the economy through fiscal consolidation and policy reforms. The government might leverage his expertise to navigate the economic crises, attract foreign investment, and manage international relations, especially with bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
With Dar’s elevation to the role of Deputy Prime Minister, there is an anticipation of more cohesive and robust policy-making processes, especially in economic and financial sectors. His proactive and hands-on approach could lead to faster decision-making and implementation of critical policies.
