Caretaker Information and Broadcasting Minister Murtaza Solangi dismissed speculations of political influence within the caretaker government’s cabinet, emphasizing that cabinet members had no affiliations with any political party.
Addressing concerns raised by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding political appointments in the cabinet, he clarified
that retired civil servants, who had served in the previous government as technocrats, should not be viewed as having political affiliations.
The ECP, as the country’s election oversight authority, has urged the caretaker federal government not to appoint individuals with political affiliations to the federal cabinet. They have expressed concerns that the interim government might be seen as a continuation of the previous PML-N-led coalition government.
Speaking to a private channel, Minister Solangi stated, “I have previously served as the Director-General of Radio Pakistan, but I can assure you that I have no ties to any political party.” He also emphasized that the ECP, under Article 218(3) of the Constitution, had the authority to announce the election date.
Furthermore, Minister Solangi affirmed the caretaker government’s commitment to supporting the ECP in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in the country. He noted that the ECP had already announced that the delimitation of constituencies would be completed by November 30, and he hoped that the election schedule would follow suit.
Minister Solangi stressed the importance of placing trust in the ECP, which is a constitutional institution. He pointed out that the ECP had been actively engaged in election since the approval of the results of the latest census by the Council of Common Interests.
Regarding the election campaign period, Minister Solangi mentioned that the Election Act stipulated that all parties would be provided 54 days for campaigning. He reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the constitution and the law.
In terms of economic measures, Minister Solangi highlighted that actions against electricity theft would lead to a reduction in electricity prices. He also mentioned that the ministries of finance and energy were working on initiatives to provide relief to the public in terms of electricity prices.
The minister noted that efforts had been made to combat dollar smuggling and illegal currency exchanges, which had contributed to the strengthening of the Pakistani rupee. Additionally, measures had been taken to address hoarding of sugar.
In response to a query, he clarified that the prices of petroleum products were linked to international market trends.
