Between every elected government stands a caretaker prime minister — the neutral interim who runs the country during elections. Pakistan has had seven. This is the complete list.
Quick answer: Pakistan’s 7 caretaker PMs: Balakh Sher Mazari (1993), Moeenuddin Qureshi (1993), Malik Meraj Khalid (1996–97), Mian Soomro (2007–08), Mir Hazar Khoso (2013), Nasirul Mulk (2018), Anwarul Haq Kakar (2023–24). Chosen by PM–Opposition consensus to oversee elections.
In this guide
The Complete List
| Caretaker PM | Term | Election overseen |
|---|---|---|
| Balakh Sher Mazari | Apr–May 1993 | 1993 |
| Moeenuddin Qureshi | Jul–Oct 1993 | 1993 |
| Malik Meraj Khalid | Nov 1996–Feb 1997 | 1997 |
| Mian Soomro | Nov 2007–Mar 2008 | 2008 |
| Mir Hazar Khoso | Mar–Jun 2013 | 2013 |
| Nasirul Mulk | Jun–Aug 2018 | 2018 |
| Anwarul Haq Kakar | Aug 2023–Mar 2024 | 2024 |
How They’re Chosen
The outgoing PM and the Leader of the Opposition agree on a name; if they deadlock, a parliamentary committee tries; failing that, the Election Commission picks. The convention favours retired judges and technocrats — neutral figures. Kakar (a sitting senator) broke the mould slightly; Nasirul Mulk (ex-CJP) fit it perfectly.
What They Can and Can’t Do
Caretakers handle day-to-day administration and the election — they can’t make major policy decisions, sign long-term deals or initiate mega-projects. (Kakar’s extended 7-month tenure tested these limits, with the IMF programme and privatisation decisions.) Their legitimacy comes from neutrality — the moment a caretaker looks partisan, the system fails. The elected list: Pakistan prime minister list.
1993: Two Caretakers in One Year
1993 was the caretaker system’s stress test: Balakh Sher Mazari (April–May) served after Nawaz’s dismissal — then the Supreme Court restored Nawaz, voiding the caretaker interlude — then the army brokered both Nawaz and the President’s resignation, and Moeen Qureshi (July–October), a World Bank technocrat flown in, ran the cleanest interim administration Pakistan had seen. Two caretakers, one restored PM, one election: the year Pakistani democracy learned to fall and get up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the last caretaker PM?
Anwarul Haq Kakar — 14 August 2023 to 4 March 2024, overseeing the February 2024 general election.
How long does a caretaker serve?
Usually 2–3 months (election period). Kakar’s 2023–24 stint ran nearly 7 months — the longest — after the census delayed elections.
