Pakistan’s caretaker government and its cabinet officially took charge on Thursday and the selected cabinet members were sworn in at the President House.
The selection of ministers for federal ministries has raised concerns among other political forces, but has also signalled how Pakistan will approach its foreign policy, especially towards its arch-neighbour India.
The most important member of the cabinet is Jalil Abbas Jilani. He is a seasoned diplomat and has represented Pakistan as Ambassador to the United States (US) and the European Union (EU).
Jilani was also Deputy High Commissioner to India from 1999 to 2003 and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Australia from 2007 to 2009. Earlier, Jilani had also served as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary from March 2012 to December 2013.
Jilani’s appointment reflects the direction of Pakistan’s foreign policy. They have to improve relations with the West and focus on policy responses to India.
Jilani had recently responded to former Indian foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal’s criticism of the attacks on the church in Jaranwala, Faisalabad, in these words in a statement on social media platform X: “Globally, India is at the forefront of violence against women, Dalits, Christians, Muslims, including the killing of minorities under official surveillance. Remember Obama’s statement on CNN: “If India does not protect the rights of ethnic minorities, the country will begin to disintegrate. ”
Such reactions, given a day before he was sworn in as the interim foreign minister, largely reflect that Pakistan’s foreign policy will move forward with a focus on India.
Another important appointment is that of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Human Rights (SAPM). The post has been given to Mushaal Hussain Malik, the wife of Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik.
Mushaal Hussain Malik has been vocal about the Kashmir dispute and her husband Yasin Malik, who is in the custody of Indian authorities.
Mushal’s appointment also signals Pakistan’s future policy of using the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Human Rights to raise the issue of Kashmir in the wake of alleged human rights abuses, the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech for Kashmiris and to showcase it on world forums.
Pakistan’s caretaker regime is focused on four major factors – economy, foreign policy, security and dealing with India.
