In a recent statement, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar dismissed claims of caretakers having favoritism towards any political party. He asserted that it was unfair to link his cabinet members, Fawad Hassan Fawad and Ahad Cheema, with the PML-N, as they were experienced bureaucrats who served the state, not a political party.
This statement was made following the induction of Tahir Javed Khan, a Pakistani-American businessman and former PTI leader, into the caretaker cabinet as the PM’s special aide on investments.
During a media interaction, PM Kakar emphasized that it was unfair to associate civil servants with any political party. He stated that Fawad’s primary identity was that of a seasoned bureaucrat and that he had never been a member of the PML-N. He also commended Ahad Cheema, citing his usefulness as a cabinet member, and explained that his presence in the government was based on performance, not political affiliation.
Addressing allegations of proximity between the caretaker government and the PML-N, PM Kakar stated that such impressions were often used by political parties to attract voters. However, he did not mention his Principal Secretary Dr. Tauqir Shah, who had previously worked for former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif for many years.
The caretaker PM expressed his commitment to transparency and ensuring that no political party is favored or disadvantaged during the electoral process. He also confirmed that the caretaker government is not restricted by any legal barriers when making policy decisions, emphasizing that they have not acted against the law or the Constitution.
Responding to concerns raised by the PTI regarding the possibility of being barred from campaigning, PM Kakar asserted that there were no legal, executive, or administrative restrictions preventing the PTI from participating in the electoral process.
Regarding the suggestion made by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to delay the elections due to snowfall, PM Kakar stated that the decision of the election date rests with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and not the government.
In a separate meeting, PM Kakar instructed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to provide affordable facilities for Haj pilgrims without compromising on arrangements. He emphasized the importance of facilitating the pilgrims and ensuring a smooth experience for them.
Furthermore, Caretaker Energy Minister Muhammad Ali briefed PM Kakar on measures to attract foreign investment in the mineral sector in Balochistan and other parts of the country through the Special Investment Facilitation Council. Additionally, Privatization Minister Fawad Hassan Fawad met with PM Kakar to discuss plans for the privatization of state-owned enterprises.