LONDON: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has said the forthcoming general elections would be free and fair even if the PTI protested the absence of its name on the ballot papers.
In an interview with Turkey’s TRT World, Mr Kakar said no institution would be playing any role in providing favors to any political party in the elections and the electoral process would be transparent and free.
In reply to a question, he said there had always been some civil and military inbalance in Pakistan. The reason is civilian governments have not achieved the desired results as far as governance is concerned such as in the education, health and tax recovery sectors.
“Military is organized and Pakistan has always needed its assistance in various matters. The military cooperates when governance is affected in natural disasters or any other challenge. We have to enhance capabilities of civilian institutions,” he added.
“We commit to a fair election that includes giving the PTI and other parties space on an equal basis. It is the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to give the date and we will stick to it. There is no doubt about that,” Kakar said.
When asked about serious cases against PTI leaders and former premier, he said those in prisons or being prosecuted had been involved in acts of vandalism, arson and such elements in any civilized state would face similar charges.
The caretaker prime minister further said that no exclusive approach would be applied to Imran Khan and the PTI as everyone was equal before the law and nobody was above the law.
He said press freedom was curbed everywhere from India to Pakistan and elsewhere but “what I can explain is that every criticism appears in Pakistani press. We are not using any leverage to influence the media. I don’t see that the media in Pakistan is being stifled”.
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