The current caretaker government of Pakistan has achieved a unique honor by becoming the longest-term caretaker government in the country's history. As of today, 131 days have passed since Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar was sworn in as the Caretaker Prime Minister on August 14, 2023, following the dissolution of the previous parliament.
Kakar has surpassed the previous record of 130 days held by Muhammad Mian Soomro, who served as the Caretaker Prime Minister from November 16, 2007 to March 24, 2008. Soomro's tenure was extended due to the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the postponement of the general elections.
The caretaker government is responsible for ensuring a smooth and fair transition of power after the end of a parliamentary term. According to the Constitution of Pakistan, the caretaker government cannot make any major policy decisions or appointments and can only perform routine functions.
The average duration of a caretaker government in Pakistan is 82 days. The shortest caretaker government was led by Balkh Sher Mazari, who served for only 38 days from April 18, 1993 to May 26, 1993. The other caretaker prime ministers and their tenures are as follows:
- Meraj Khalid: November 5, 1996 to February 16, 1997 (104 days)
- Moin Qureshi: July 18, 1993 to October 18, 1993 (92 days)
- Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi: August 6, 1990 to November 5, 1990 (91 days)
- Justice retired Nasir-ul-Mulk: June 1, 2018 to August 18, 2018 (79 days)
- Justice retired Mir Hazar Khan Khoso: March 25, 2013 to June 4, 2013 (71 days)