Anwar ul Haq Kakar has led an impactful life as a politician and human rights advocate in Pakistan. In August 2023, he was appointed as the caretaker Prime Minister during the transition to the next democratically elected government. He previously served as a member of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, before later being elected to the Senate of Pakistan in 2015.
Throughout his career, Kakar has been an outspoken proponent for human rights and religious freedom. He has worked to promote peace and security in Pakistan, while also striving to give a voice to oppressed minorities. As caretaker PM, he now faces the challenge of overseeing fair elections and a smooth transfer of power.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Anwar ul Haq Kakar was born on January 1, 1969 in Qilla Abdullah, Balochistan, Pakistan
He comes from an influential family known as the Kakar tribe, who reside in Balochistan
His father, Nawabzada Mehboob Ali Khan Kakar, was a senior politician who served as a member of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly
Education
Kakar completed his early education in Quetta, Balochistan
He received his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from Bolan Medical College in 1990
Key Positions Held:
Member, Provincial Assembly of Balochistan (1993-1996)
Elected to Senate of Pakistan (2015-present)
Political Career
Early Political Activity in Balochistan
Kakar first became politically active in his youth by participating in protests against the military regime in 1983
He joined the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in his early political career
Was elected as a Member of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan in 1993 on a PPP platform
During his time as an MPA, he contributed to the political stability of Balochistan amid escalating sectarian tensions
Switch to the National Party and Further Elections
Left the PPP to join the center-left National Party prior to the 1997 elections
Ran unsuccessfully for a Provincial Assembly seat with the National Party in 1997
Continued his political activism and human rights work in the years following
Ran again and won a seat as a Member of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan in 2013
Tenure as MPA in Balochistan Assembly (2013-2015)
Primary legislative accomplishments:
Bills for political reforms and strengthening local governance
Measures to improve access to education and healthcare
Resigned from the Provincial Assembly after being elected to Pakistan Senate
Election to Senate and Tenure Since 2015
Kakar ran for Senate elections held in March 2015
Was elected to General Seat from Balochistan
Currently serving 7 year term as Senator which will expire in March 2022
Activities and Achievements as Senator:
Outspoken critic of human rights abuses against Pakistani citizens
Frequent advocate for reducing military influence in governance of Balochistan
Strong supporter of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in Balochistan
Member of multiple Senate committees on justice and law, human rights, and national security
Political Views and Policy Positions
Politics of Balochistan
Strong proponent of greater provincial autonomy for Balochistan
Supports fairer allocation of resources and funding to Balochistan from federal government budgets
Argues that lasting solution to separatist insurgencies requires political reconciliation and negotiations rather than excessive use of force
Positions on Key Issues in Balochistan:
Security – Against abductions and extrajudicial killings, advocates security strategy focused on dialogue and development
Education & Healthcare – Strongly supports expanded public funding for social services
Federal Resource Allocation – Balochistan deserves greater percentages of funds from bodies like NFC Awards to address poverty
Human Rights Advocacy
Vocal defender of religious freedom and minority rights for groups like Hazaras and Hindus
Condemns forced disappearances and torture committed by security agencies
Supports constitutional safeguards and legal protections for marginalized groups
Frequent critic of alleged human rights violations in troubled areas like Indian-administered Kashmir
Key Cases and Efforts:
Investigations into missing persons abducted by security forces
Speeches condemning mob violence against vulnerable groups
Bills calling for anti-torture legislation and accountability for extrajudicial killings
Foreign Policy Positions
Strong supporter of major CPEC infrastructure and development projects
Favors strategic partnership between Pakistan and China
Opposes US drone strike program within Pakistan’s borders
Supports right of self-determination for Kashmiris in negotiations with India
Personal Life
Married with four children
Known to lead an austere lifestyle despite coming from privilege
Son of former Senator Nawabzada Mehboob Ali Khan Kakar who was assassinated in 2013
Lost his own brother in a targeted killing in Quetta in 2014
Survived an assassination attempt himself in 2015, continues political activism despite dangers faced
Conclusion
Anwar ul Haq Kakar has led a career marked by political conviction in one of Pakistan’s most volatile provinces. He has repeatedly put principles of human rights and justice ahead of personal safety or political expediency.
Despite numerous personal tragedies, he has remained committed to advocacy for Baloch rights and constitutional protections for marginalized groups. His courage and persistence has earned widespread praise. But the volatility of politics in Balochistan means his mission is far from over.
The coming years will test whether Kakar can translate his idealism into tangible improvements for some of Pakistan’s most vulnerable citizens. But his career so far provides a glimpse into the power of conscience and moral purpose within a frequently bleak political landscape.
