Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar stated on Monday that only “law-abiding” leaders from the former ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), would be permitted to participate in the upcoming general elections. In an informal conversation with senior journalists in Islamabad, the caretaker PM asserted that PTI’s status as a political party remained unchanged.
Maintaining his government’s non-partisan position, the PM reiterated his commitment to a neutral policy, refusing to offer support to any political party during the elections or endorse institutional interference in favor of any party.
Addressing his role as prime minister in the media, the PM expressed surprise at the attention his statements and interviews garnered, often creating the impression that he intended to remain in the PM house indefinitely. He clarified that his tenure as caretaker PM would conclude in the next three months and cautioned against interpreting his remarks as having far-reaching implications in national politics.
However, the PM pointed out that he never felt compelled to issue clarifications for his statements. In a lighthearted manner, he joked that he was not a despot (Mughal emperor) who would issue decrees prohibiting political parties from participating. He emphasized that the caretaker government had no bias towards any political party and would not allow institutional interference in anyone’s favor.
Regarding the deadline for unregistered immigrants to leave the country, the interim PM clarified that only Afghan refugees who were not registered would be evacuated from the country.
In an interview with a private television channel, PM Kakar dismissed the notion of his government favoring the PML-N and mentioned that political parties typically attract voters based on such impressions.
The prime minister also ruled out any threat to the PTI chief’s life in jail, affirming that the caretaker government would provide facilities to him as per his entitlement.
In response to a question, the prime minister stated that there was no formal requirement for the caretaker government to consult with the president for the electoral process. However, the government would respond when queries from the president were received, as they maintained a respectful relationship.
Regarding his US visit, the prime minister explained that it was necessary to reiterate Pakistan’s position on certain issues at the UN General Assembly, as the continuity of state affairs could not be suspended.
Concerning the expulsion of illegal foreign nationals, PM Kakar clarified that Pakistan hosted approximately 1.8 million registered foreign nationals, and they were not being expelled. However, action was being taken against those without legal documents or those who had obtained fake identity documents. He further explained that unregistered individuals were not included in the government database, leaving authorities without reliable information to determine whether they were legitimately engaged in businesses or potentially involved in illicit activities.
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