PM Kakar dismisses claims caretakers siding with PML-N
Pakistan
Rules out possibility of any delay in general elections
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, while rubbishing the allegations about the caretaker government’s tilt towards the PML-N, said Wednesday that political parties usually created such impressions before the elections with a view to attract more public.
In an exclusive interview with Dunya TV, PM Kakar dismissed the claims that the caretaker government sided with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
The prime minister ruled out the possibility of any delay in next general elections, saying the polls would be conducted on time. “I don’t see the possibility (of any delay in elections). I don’t have any confusion at all. I feel that elections will be announced and conducted on time.”
Reiterating his government’s resolve to hold free and fair elections, Kakar said all the registered political parties had legal and constitutional rights to canvass, mobilise people and attract public support.
The PM, however, reiterated that the government would not be responsible if someone was legally barred from the political process.
To a question, Kakar emphasised effective law enforcement, saying that his government had, with the military leadership’s cooperation, implemented the existing laws to crack down on illegal currency businesses and hoarders.
He also called for the capacity building of civilian institutions for the implementation of the law.
PM Kakar said the establishment of the democratic norms within political parties was essential for democracy in Pakistan.
Kakar, in reply to a question, said being a political player, he had interacted with all political leaders before assuming the office, but never thought of joining any party, though being a citizen, he reserved the right to join any party or form one of his own.
Kakar appreciated the leadership qualities of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, saying that Pakistan’s future was in capable and committed hands.
To a relevant question, Kakar replied that he was comfortable with the military leadership and that the caretaker government had the final say in the decision-making.
Asked whether Nawaz Sharif was victimised, Kakar said that questions were always raised about the judicial interventions as different parties had varying views on the respective subjects.
Coming to the cipher issue, Kakar said the document was the state’s property and exposing it for other than the prescribed usage was unjustified, though the court had yet to ascertained its illegality.
PM Kakar said in the 2013 and 2018 elections, he had voted for the PTI to seek solutions for the country’s issues like infrastructure, economy, foreign policy and branding of Pakistan, not for attacking the General Headquarters (GHQ).
