Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar recently addressed several important issues in Pakistan. In interviews with private television channels, he expressed the government’s plan to appeal the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the trial of civilians in military courts, citing serious implications.
Prime Minister Kakar said that the government, without apologizing, would carefully examine the reasons and citations behind the court’s decision before filing an appeal. He emphasized that the verdict’s impact was not limited to one group and questioned whether civilians could be released based on this decision if they engage in activities related to national security.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s concern about security and social consequences, especially concerning military installations linked to national security. He discussed the government’s commitment to ensuring a fair electoral process for all political parties, mentioning challenges faced by the PTI party after a police raid.
Regarding allegations of bias towards the PML-N party, Prime Minister Kakar dismissed them, emphasizing the government’s impartial policy. He found no evidence of institutional interference in favor of any party.
He praised the working relationship with the Election Commission and the Establishment, stressing that addressing the country’s economic and other issues required collective efforts, not just one party’s intervention.
In response to questions about the future of PTI chairman Imran Khan, the Prime Minister stated that it depended on the judicial outcomes of cases against him. He also shared his past support for Imran Khan due to his philanthropic services but expressed disagreement with any actions against the state.
Regarding the economic situation, Prime Minister Kakar noted that the depreciation of the dollar’s value had reduced the country’s debt burden by Rs4000 billion, resulting in lower oil prices. Price control committees were activated to influence commodity prices positively. He stated the government’s readiness to undergo an IMF review process and anticipated receiving the second tranche of the loan.
The Prime Minister discussed the next phase of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to enhance global cooperation through land, aerial, and sea connectivity, with Pakistan being part of this initiative.
Addressing the controversy following his media interaction, Prime Minister Kakar clarified that he aimed to start a conversation about the evolving business model of media outlets, which he believed was becoming outdated. He acknowledged that government advertisements could influence editorial policies and expressed the importance of open public discourse.
On the issue of expelling illegal foreign nationals from Pakistan, the Prime Minister mentioned that thousands of people had left, and some chose to return voluntarily. He indicated that the Afghan side was prepared to accept them back. Registered refugees were not being deported, but the operation targeted illegal residents and those using false identities. He emphasized a careful and incentive-based approach, with potential DNA testing in extreme cases.
Prime Minister Kakar revealed that, after the deadline, enforcement of the law would be stricter through intelligence-based actions and organized check posts. Pakistan did not plan to permanently ban such Afghans but would allow their return subject to obtaining Pakistani visas.
