Ishaq Dar Appointed Deputy Prime Minister
Appointment Notification and Background:
- Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was given the additional charge of deputy prime minister, as per a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.
- The appointment was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with immediate effect and until further orders. This comes as PM Shehbaz and Dar, along with other ministers, are in Saudi Arabia to attend the World Economic Forum’s special meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy.
Dar’s Political Career:
- Dar served as federal minister for commerce and investment in Nawaz Sharif’s government from 1997 to 1999.
- He has twice served as federal minister for finance, economic affairs, revenue, and statistics (1998-99 and 2008).
- Prior to his ministerial roles, Dar was appointed minister of state/chief executive of Pakistan Investment Board (PIB) from 1992 to 1993. He also served as president of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Recent Appointments and Resignations:
- Dar briefly assumed the duties of federal finance minister in 2008 but resigned after PML-N decided to part ways with the PPP-led coalition government.
- He served as the finance minister in Nawaz Sharif’s government in 2013.
- Dar was reappointed as the finance minister of Pakistan from September 2022 till the end of the coalition government’s tenure in August 2023.
Criticism and Opposition:
- Despite his long tenure and experience, Dar’s policies and stances have drawn widespread criticism. PPP leader Khurshid Shah opposed his appointment as the finance minister, stating that Dar had damaged the economy.
- However, PPP leader Faisal Karim Kundi recently stated that his party had no objections to Dar’s appointment as deputy premier, acknowledging that former PPP governments had also appointed deputy PMs.
Dar’s Influence and Role:
- Dar has long been seen as a key part of Nawaz Sharif’s inner circle, wielding significant influence. Under Nawaz’s leadership, he practically acted like a deputy prime minister, heading more than four dozen committees in various spheres.
Conclusion:
The appointment of Ishaq Dar as deputy prime minister marks a significant development in the political landscape of Pakistan. His role and influence within the government, particularly in economic and financial matters, will be closely watched.
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