Pakistan's Interim Government Seeks Economic Stability Ahead of National Elections

Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has announced a new cabinet ahead of the upcoming national elections scheduled for early November, according to GEO News. The caretaker government's focus will be on economic stabilization, as the country's $350 billion economy is on a precarious recovery path following a last-minute $3 billion bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund.

However, economic reforms implemented thus far have led to high levels of inflation and interest rates, posing challenges for the caretaker government and its successor. Among the key appointments in the new cabinet, former US ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani has been named as the foreign minister, while former central bank chief Shamshad Akhtar has been appointed as finance minister.

These appointments reflect the government's emphasis on economic stability and fostering international relations. Yaseen Malik has also been chosen as the Minister for Human Rights in the interim cabinet. As per Pakistan's constitution, a neutral caretaker government is responsible for overseeing elections within 90 days of the dissolution of parliament's lower house.

However, the election date may be delayed as the Election Commission undertakes the task of redrawing boundaries for numerous federal and provincial constituencies. The commission has announced that the new constituencies will be finalized by December 14.

The appointment of the new cabinet marks an important step in Pakistan's transition towards democratic governance. With economic stabilization as the top priority, the caretaker government aims to address the challenges faced by the country. The foreign and finance ministers, along with other key officials, will play a vital role in shaping Pakistan's economic and diplomatic landscape during this critical period.