Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday said there was no restriction imposed by the Election Commission of Pakistan on any registered political parties including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
He was responding to the media query about the participation of PTI in the election in a media interaction at Lahore.
The Prime Minister said it was not the mandate of caretaker government to impose ban on any political party, adding the allocation of election symbols fell under the ECP’s jurisdiction.
He emphasized equal opportunities for all registered parties, assuring a level playing field for the upcoming elections.
The Caretaker Prime Minister reaffirmed the authority of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in announcing the date for the general elections, underscoring that the delimitation process was a constitutional necessity.
He clarified that while the government was prepared to assist the ECP, the caretaker setup wouldn’t interfere with ECP’s constitutional mandate.
Pakistan is raising the Palestine issue globally especially the “horrible, condemnable and inappropriate aggression” by Israel in Gaza recently that triggered human catastrophe in Gaza, said the prime minister while citing Organization of Islamic Cooperation Organization (OIC) emergency session co-hosted by Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the major step.
He also cited his recent interactions with different global leaders, Chinese leadership and the international media over the issue.
The PM said he had conveyed sentiments and stance of the government and Pakistani nation in this regard.
“Pakistan would continue playing its role over the issue till its resolution,” he reassured.
Pakistan demanded immediate ceasefire and opening of humanitarian corridor, the caretaker prime minister said, adding Palestine was a historical and chronic issue but there was no reason over the inappropriate aggression exhibited by Israel.
On the issue of illegal immigrants, the Prime Minister outlined a categorization strategy. Registered refugees, fulfilling international obligations, numbered approximately 1.7 million. For undocumented individuals residing in Pakistan, avenues for legal return and participation in education or business were available, provided proper documentation was completed. Additionally, mechanisms were devised to address identity theft issues.
Regarding the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Prime Minister emphasized its statutory status, indicating its decisions were final and not subject to challenge. He also highlighted positive ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, expressing confidence in reaching agreements for the second tranche during the IMF team’s upcoming visit in November.
The Prime Minister pointed out the positive impacts of government measures against smuggling and illicit currency trade, leading to reduced inflation and lower rates for the US dollar and petroleum products. He praised initiatives to boost tourism, urging provinces with historical sites to focus on tourism development.
