Islamabad, April 28, 2024, The Europe Today: According to The Gulf Observer Cabinet Division, in a notification issued on Sunday, announced the appointment of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister. The notification, effective immediately and until further orders, designates Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, to assume the role of Deputy Prime Minister.
Following the formation of a coalition government by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) subsequent to the February 8 elections, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of Deputy Prime Minister. A seasoned politician and chartered accountant, Dar, aged 73, is known for his extensive experience and close association with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.
The appointment of Mr. Dar as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister signals a renewed focus on economic diplomacy, as Pakistan aims to secure another International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deal and bolster external financing from foreign capitals. Commenting on the significance of economic diplomacy, Dar remarked to Reuters after his appointment in March, stating, “Economic diplomacy is crucial at this time.”
Prior to his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister, Pervaiz Elahi of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) held the position since June 25, 2012, following a political alliance between the Pakistan People’s Party and the PML-Q.
With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Mr. Ishaq Dar has served as Finance Minister on four occasions – from 1998 to 1999, March to May 2008, 2013 to 2017, and 2022 to 2023. His portfolio also includes roles as Minister for Industry and Investment from February 1997 to July 1997, as well as Commerce from December 1997 to October 1999. Notably, Dar held the position of Leader of Opposition in the Senate from March 2012 to June 2013.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s appointment as Deputy Prime Minister underscores Pakistan’s commitment to effective governance and underscores his pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic and diplomatic landscape.
