—— Says PTI members in ‘hiding’ can not continue to do so
—— Adds he voted for PTI in 2013 and 2018 polls but will not vote this time
—— Avers entire PTI should not be punished for May 9 mayhem
—— Assets not aware if it has been decided to bring PML-N into power
By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar has said that those who are in “hiding” since the May 9 riots will continue to face legal obstacles until they surrender.
“Many people still avoid the courts and are in hiding. They should have surrendered before the law to avail their legal rights but now they would face obstacles in carrying out their political activities related to the elections,” he said during an interview with a private TV channel.
The premier said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is committed to preventing the perception that any person might be targeted based on his political affiliation.
PM Kakar said there was a possibility that the military trials could happen even during the period of caretaker government. When asked about the personal involvement of Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in the events of May 9, Kakar said that he currently lacks sufficient information and hasn’t formed an opinion on it.
He emphasised the importance of a judicial process in making determinations related to individual culpability in the matter, saying it would not be appropriate for him to give an answer at this time.
The prime minister said that the caretaker government had no issue with any party. “I voted for PTI in both 2013 and 2018 [elections].”
When asked if he would vote for the former ruling party this time as well, PM Kakar responded in the negative, stating that he would not vote for PTI anymore because his thoughts about the party have changed.
Regarding intelligence reports, Kakar stressed they cannot be used as a basis to justify any punitive measures.
He expressed the need to punish those involved in the May 9 incidents. Adding in his view, only the accountable individuals should face consequences, rather than penalizing the entire PTI. He clarified that there is no intention to perceive the entire PTI as an adversary; however, those responsible must face punishment. Addressing the PTI leaders in the hiding, Kakar urged them to make their own decision as to what course of action they wanted to adopt.
When asked about the readiness of the caretaker government to transfer power to PTI if they win a majority during the upcoming general elections, Kakar affirmed that such decisions rest with the people of Pakistan, and the caretaker government is obligated to peacefully transfer power to the elected party whoever they may be, they don’t have an option in the matter.
Dismissing speculations about a predetermined decision to bring former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to power, Kakar asserted that, to his knowledge, no such decision existed.
He added that the election outcome will be known to the public by the evening of February 8 or the morning of the 9th, putting an end to any speculation.
