What powers does Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar have?

The PML-N government announced the appointment of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, a close confidant of ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, as deputy prime minister on Sunday. 

The appointment of 73-year-old Ishaq Dar as deputy prime minister has sparked various discussions. One prominent point of debate revolves around PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s apparent desire to place his trusted ally in a key position within the federal cabinet, perhaps as compensation for losing the finance portfolio.

This move is significant in light of Nawaz Sharif’s recent return to leadership of the ruling party as its president, following his conviction in the Panama Papers case.

This is not the first instance of a deputy prime minister being appointed in Pakistan’s history. Chaudhry Parvez Elahi previously served as Deputy Prime Minister during the tenure of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) from June 25, 2012, to June 29, 2013. However, his role at that time was largely symbolic, serving as a reward from then-President Asif Ali Zardari for supporting the PPP government.

The power of the Deputy Prime Minister in Pakistan:

The role of deputy prime minister in Pakistan lacks a clear constitutional definition, leading to ambiguity surrounding the extent of their authority.

In Dar’s case, it remains uncertain what specific duties he will assume as deputy prime minister. Traditionally, the prime minister holds the majority of powers as the head of the government.

However, Dar’s close ties to former premier Nawaz Sharif, through familial relations as his son is married to Sharif’s daughter, may afford him a unique influence as deputy PM.

Dar’s background as an economist, coupled with his previous experience as finance minister in past PML-N governments, adds complexity to his appointment. Allegedly, certain influential groups prevented Dar from assuming the finance minister role again, resulting in his appointment as foreign minister.

Some analysts speculate that Dar’s new position as deputy PM may grant him the authority to intervene in matters related to the finance ministry, adding an extra element of mystery to his government position.