Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has firmly rejected speculations of a backroom deal with Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif concerning his anticipated return to Pakistan.
In an exclusive interview with digital media platform, Kakar emphasized that the caretaker government remains impartial, refraining from favoring any political party, including the PML-N. He addressed concerns regarding Sharif’s impending return, highlighting that Sharif had initially departed from Pakistan during the tenure of the previous government led by Imran Khan rather than the caretaker government’s tenure.
Kakar went on to assert that should Nawaz Sharif re-enter the political arena, he will inevitably encounter legal obstacles. These legal challenges are expected to be resolved through proper legal channels, irrespective of the political leader in question, whether it be Imran Khan, Asif Ali Zardari, or Nawaz Sharif.
The Prime Minister underscored the prevalence of “regimental camps” within Pakistan, characterizing the nation as a battleground for political power struggles.
Kakar on “Kakar Formula” and Preparation for General Polls
Kakar dismissed comparisons between the present caretaker government and the 1990s “Kakar formula,” which prompted the resignations of both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. He emphasized the distinctive nature of the current caretaker setup, which forms part of the constitutional continuation.
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Its inception occurred with the mutual agreement of leaders from the House and the Opposition, free from external influence. Kakar assured that preparations for the upcoming general elections were well underway, with essential security and administrative measures firmly in place. The caretaker government, in collaboration with the Election Commission, is actively finalizing the necessary arrangements for the impending polls.
Action on Afghan Refugees and Pakistan’s Stance on Israel
Kakar addressed the issue of Afghan refugees’ expulsion, clarifying that this action exclusively targeted unregistered foreign nationals and over one million illegal aliens. The government’s primary objective is to regulate the movement of unregistered foreign nationals through the appropriate legal channels.
When questioned about Pakistan’s stance on Israel, Kakar firmly stated that there were no ongoing deliberations concerning the recognition of Israel. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the rights of Palestinians and its condemnation of Israel as an “oppressor.” Pakistan stands firmly behind the rights of Palestinians to their existence and the return to their homeland.
Economic Stability and Challenges in Balochistan
The Prime Minister discussed Pakistan’s economic stability, highlighting a significant development—the first-ever reversal of the dollar’s value, with a consistent descent of about Rs40-45. He stressed the significance of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SFIC) in ensuring economic sustainability.
Kakar dispelled the notion of the army taking over the mining sector, clarifying their role as facilitators within the process. Kakar further emphasized the importance of capacity-building within civil institutions as a vital pathway to achieving a sustainable and economically viable state.
In the context of Balochistan, Kakar outlined the significant challenges faced by the region, including security concerns, governance issues, resource scarcity, and severe mismanagement.
Kakar revealed that during a recent meeting of the apex committee held in Quetta, it was discovered that hundreds of ghost schools and health units existed in the province, contributing to the enrichment of a select few, while leaving the wider population, including the common Balochs, Pashtuns, and Hazaras, bereft of vital resources and opportunities.