ISLAMABAD: Amidst speculation regarding the announcement of election date, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar on Monday said that the President does not have the power to do so and the decision will be taken by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
His statement comes at a time when sources say that President Arif Alvi is expected to announce the date of the elections and he discussed the issue of the election schedule with the caretaker law minister earlier in the day – 10 Their second meeting in days.
Sources in the presidential palace, however, claimed that Dr Alvi’s idea of the possibility of setting a date was “wrong” as the issue of elections was still being discussed.
In an interview to a private TV, Kakar said that Parliament has passed a law according to which the ECP has the power to announce the date of fresh elections.
He said that there should be an end to the speculation regarding the elections which will be in accordance with the prevailing law, adding that we have no intention to extend the caretaker government’s term.
PM Kakar said that there is no restriction on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from participating in elections. He said that Nawaz Sharif was elected prime minister three times and when he comes to Pakistan, he will be treated according to the law.
He clarified that he has no intention of starting meetings with the leadership of political parties.
Kakar said that sports including cricket should not be politicized and issues related to cricket with India should be taken up only by the officials of the cricket board.
MBS visit
In response to a question, he said that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Pakistan at a time of mutual agreement when both sides are ready to announce plans for investment.
In response to a question, he said that Kashmir is a part of Pakistan’s body, soul and collective memory and Kashmiris have associated themselves with Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said that the action against smuggling will continue and the writ of the state will be established. “We are taking these steps so that the new government can easily continue its work in the public interest with its mandate.”
He said that the Apex Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) includes the current military leadership, thereby making the Council a strong constitutional and legal body that is taking concrete steps and implementing decisions.
Prime Minister Kakar said that Pakistan has multifaceted relations with Afghanistan and has regular discussions with it on issues of trade, terrorism, security and regional connectivity. He added that both sides were talking with the understanding that neighbors cannot be changed.
Responding to a question about the increasing incidence of terrorism in the country, he said that terrorists now have modern weapons, night vision goggles and other equipment, which has increased their fighting ability. .
However, he clarified that terrorists cannot take even an inch of Pakistan’s territory and security forces will retaliate and handle the situation. He asserted that the state will show its strength against terrorists as no one will be allowed to resort to violence under any circumstances.
