Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has emphasized that the interim government lacks the authority to determine the eligibility of Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for the upcoming general elections if the courts legally bar him after exhausting all available legal options.
During an exclusive interview with HARDtalk in London, PM Kakar underscored that Imran Khan’s fate remains uncertain at this stage. He explained that there are legal remedies available to Khan, and if he exhausts all legal avenues and is still legally disqualified from participating in the electoral process, it would be beyond the control of the caretaker government. PM Kakar also reiterated that any individual, including Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), being barred from participating in elections would result from a judicial decision, not an executive one, emphasizing that as a caretaker prime minister, he lacks the authority to reverse such decisions.
Regarding the possibility of Nawaz Sharif’s arrest upon his return from London, PM Kakar stated that law enforcement agencies would need to consider the legal remedies available to him, such as protective bail. He stressed that the law should follow its course in Nawaz Sharif’s case since he had traveled abroad on a court order. PM Kakar expressed his belief that the PML-N leadership would prioritize participating in the elections over engaging in disruptive politics if Nawaz were arrested.
PM Kakar clarified that while PTI as a political party was not prohibited from participating in the elections, individuals charged with offenses such as riots, vandalism, arson, and incitement to violence would be subject to the country’s laws. He assured that there would be no “harshness” but legal consequences for those involved in violence, estimating that their numbers would be relatively small compared to the overall population.
PM Kakar reiterated his government’s commitment to guiding the country through challenging times and ensuring free and fair elections, expressing confidence in the upcoming elections meeting transparency standards.
Refuting Imran Khan’s allegations against the military, PM Kakar pointed out that the same military had collaborated closely with the PTI chief during his tenure, with Khan himself taking credit for these cooperative efforts. Regarding terrorism, PM Kakar acknowledged Pakistan’s significant losses in the war against terrorism and praised the military and paramilitary forces for their efforts in combating it.
He attributed the renewed terrorist attacks to surplus equipment left behind by the US and UK after the Afghanistan drawdown, explaining that the Afghan army’s modern weaponry ended up in the black market following the withdrawal. PM Kakar also noted that the presence of TTP militants in Afghanistan contributed to the problem.
Regarding his government’s economic priorities, he highlighted efforts to combat illegal currency trade and hoarding. Additionally, PM Kakar stated that the government would proceed with plans to privatize state-owned entities such as the Steel Mill, PIA, and power distribution companies.
He clarified that although the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) mandates holding elections within 90 days, Article 254 of the Constitution allows for actions beyond this period without being considered unconstitutional or illegal.
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