Ishaq Dar’s appointment as deputy prime minister on Sunday evening came as a surprise development for the people of Pakistan. The move is a strategic move by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif towards benefitting from experience and expertise of Ishaq Dar to address government related challenged. His dedication to public service, as well as extensive background in finance and commerce makes him a fit choice for the slot.
Though the opposition may come up with their usual refrains, the fact is Ishaq Dar’s track record speaks volumes about his capabilities and commitment to Pakistan’s progress. His performance as both finance minister and minister for commerce and investment, besides his command over diplomacy, demonstrates a deep understanding of economic intricacies and a proactive approach towards policy implementation.
His new role comes at a moment when the government seeks to improve global collaborations and attract foreign investments. During the PML-N government 2013-2018, he engaged with global economic forums, and now his active role in the World Economic Forum’s special meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy, reflects his capacity to represent Pakistan’s interests on the international stage effectively.
When it comes to politic, Ishaq Dar’s performance as a consensus builder is commendable. He knows the art of working in the complexities of coalition politics; he knows the art of promoting dialogue and cooperation for the collective benefit of the nation. He has proven trak record of working with diverse political issues aiming at improving inclusive governance and national unity.
Media, opposition and civil society may point to Ishaq Dar’s performance during the PDM government in 2022, but they should know that the PDM government was a short-term makeshift arrangement, which had no time and power to address the issues left by the PTI government. During that time, every decision he made was grounded in the best interests of Pakistan, guided by a vision of sustainable growth and prosperity for all.
The appointment of Ishaq Dar as deputy prime Minister shows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recognising meritocracy in governance. It shows a commitment to harnessing the expertise of seasoned leaders like Ishaq Dar to address the multifaceted challenges facing Pakistan.
