Day: August 14, 2023

Anwaarul Haq Kakar is Pakistan’s new caretaker prime minister.

He was sworn in Monday by President Arif Alvi in Islamabad in a ceremony at the presidential palace, attended by outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Sharif and opposition leader Raja Riaz Ahmad agreed on Alvi’s installment after talks Saturday.

Kakar’s resignation from the Senate was accepted Monday, ahead of his swearing-in.

The interim prime minister is a 52-year-old ethnic Pashtun from Balochistan. He is a member of the Balochistan Awami Party.

In the caretaker position, he is responsible for ensuring that the coming elections are free and fair. Kakar also decided that he needed to resign from his party, which he founded, to maintain neutrality in the elections.

Outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz said Kakar was the “most suitable person” for the caretaker role.

A caretaker prime minister is a temporary position that is held until elections take place and a regular prime minister can be installed. A caretaker politician maintains the status quo and does not govern. It is not an elected position.

Source: Voice of America

Pakistan is celebrating its 77th year of independence, amid mounting economic and social crises. Constitutional law professor Muneeb Qadir unpacks how far the country has come since independence.

Source: TRTworld.com

Pakistan's ambassador to the United States Masood Khan has congratulated countrymen and Pakistani diaspora in the US.

In his message on the occasion of Independence Day, he said coming into existence of Pakistan 77 years ago was a miracle and by the grace of Allah-Almighty Pakistan has completed its seventy six years of journey.

He said that under the passionate leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam, our forefathers established Pakistan while generations made sacrifices to strengthen this country.

The Ambassador said that today we have to create unity in our ranks and put Pakistan on development path with joint efforts.

He said Pakistan has an important position in the world and with our collective efforts; the homeland will become the largest economy in the world.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Embassy Washington building has been decorated with colors of green flag.

A special flag hoisting ceremony will be held at the Embassy in connection with Independence Day on Monday 14 August , which will be attended by US officials and members of the Pakistani American community.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The main flag hoisting ceremony in connection with Independence Day celebrations is in progress at the convention center in Islamabad.

President Arif Alvi, who is the chief guest, has unfurled the national flag.

It was followed by the recitation of National Anthem.

The ceremony is being attended amongst others by Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan Independence Day Mela was held at the famous Bull Run Park in the American state of Virginia.

A large number of Pakistanis residing in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland attended the mela.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Ambassador Masood Khan said the success of Roshan digital account is a reflection of the love and attachment of overseas Pakistanis to the motherland.

He said the amount deposited in the Roshan Digital Account has increased to six point five billion dollars. He said Pakistani Americans have a large share in it.

The Ambassador said there were speculations last year that remittances from overseas Pakistan would decrease. He however said overseas Pakistanis proved these speculations wrong.

Masood Khan said two and a half billion dollars were sent to Pakistan by Pakistani Americans in the last fiscal year. Two and a half billion dollars have been received in this financial year as well. He said this is a practical proof of their heartfelt love for their motherland.

The Ambassador recognized that Pakistani Americans are playing their role to strengthen Pakistan-US relations.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Change of Guards ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Qaid on Monday.

A smartly turned contingent of cadets of Pakistan Naval Academy assumed the charge.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed his country's strong support for Pakistan's economic success.

In a statement, he extended his wishes to the people of Pakistan on the Independence Day. He said the United States values its 76-year-old relationship with Pakistan.

Antony Blinken said we look forward to deepening the U.S.-Pakistan partnership to create a more prosperous future for both nations.

The US Secretary of State said that as we usher in a new year of cooperation, and as Pakistan prepares to hold elections, we look forward to advancing inclusive economic growth, energy security, and promoting peace and regional stability. He said we share a commitment to democratic principles and respect for the rule of law that will continue to guide our partnership forward.

Source: Radio Pakistan