Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday outlined the government’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to alleviate the burden on electricity consumers.
He, in an interaction with foreign journalists, emphasized that the government aimed to make well-informed decisions while upholding international financial commitments.
Prime Minister Kakar acknowledged pressing issues such as circular debt, power theft, and taxes.
He assured that the government would introduce short-term measures to address these concerns without causing undue hardship to the public.
He reaffirmed the interim government’s primary objective of facilitating timely general elections in accordance with constitutional obligations, including delimitation following the population census.
Regarding economic matters, Prime Minister Kakar highlighted the government’s focus on restructuring fiscal and monetary policies to stimulate economic revival.
He emphasized the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) role in revitalizing the economy, particularly in agriculture, mining, defense production, and information technology sectors.
Furthermore, he disclosed the government’s economic reform agenda, which includes the privatization of multiple power distribution companies and improvements in taxation and power sectors, with an emphasis on laying the groundwork for mid-level reforms.
Prime Minister Kakar emphasized the government’s commitment to practical, achievable policies that provide a strategic direction for economic planning.
Addressing political matters, he assured that all registered political parties would have an equal opportunity to participate in the upcoming general elections without discrimination. However, he noted that certain political behaviors could cross the line into vandalism, which the country’s laws would address.
Turning to security concerns, Prime Minister Kakar pointed out the potential threat to peace posed by leftover military equipment in Afghanistan, urging a coordinated approach to address the challenge. He underscored the deep cultural, faith-based, and social ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan and pledged support for Afghan refugees.
Prime Minister Kakar also highlighted the strong collaboration between the government and the Pakistan Army, particularly in the context of economic revival.
Lastly, he praised Balochistan’s support for projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese workers involved in CPEC projects.
Prime Minister Kakar expressed hope for significant foreign investment from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East in the coming years. Regarding the May 9 riots, he deemed them an attempt to disrupt society and supported lawful measures to counter such threats.
