The caretaker government has issued a clarification regarding Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s recent remarks on the possibility of “fair elections” without PTI Chairman Imran Khan. The government stated that his comments were “misunderstood and misreported.”
Imran Khan, who was previously jailed for “corrupt practices” in the Toshakhana case (although his conviction has been suspended), is currently under judicial remand in the cipher case.
In an interview with The Associated Press last week, PM Kakar had mentioned that “fair” elections could still be held without the presence of Imran Khan and his party leaders, who were incarcerated as part of a state crackdown following violent riots that took place on May 9.
PM Kakar had also emphasized that thousands of PTI members, who were not involved in “unlawful activities,” would be participating in the political process and running in the elections.
However, the PTI rejected the prime minister’s statement, arguing that elections without Imran Khan would be “unconstitutional and illegal.”
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also expressed strong disapproval of PM Kakar’s comments in a previous statement, labeling them as “anti-democratic” and “ill-judged.”
In a clarification issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, it was stated that PM Kakar was simply stating that participating in the elections was a right, but individuals facing legal charges must face the consequences of their actions.
The ministry further stated that some media outlets had taken the interview out of context, falsely suggesting that certain individuals would be barred from participating in the general elections.
The government highlighted the following excerpt from the PM’s interview: “We are not pursuing anyone on a personal vendetta. But yes, we will ensure that the law is appropriate. Anyone, be it Imran Khan or any other politician who violates, in terms of their political behavior, the laws of the country, then the restoration of the law has to be ensured. We cannot equate that with … political discrimination.”
The Ministry of Information reiterated that the PTI and its leaders were free to participate in the elections like any other political party. It clarified that there were no barriers for any PTI leader or the party as a whole to contest the elections.
The government further emphasized that every citizen is equal before the law, and the due legal process would be followed for anyone facing legal charges.
The statement concluded by affirming the caretaker government’s commitment to holding free and fair elections and ensuring compliance with the orders and directions of the Election Commission of Pakistan and the independent judiciary.