Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has described the media in Pakistan as “freer” than in the West, claiming that the latter is under “stricter regulations”. During an interview with CNBC at the World Economic Forum, Kakar discussed the economic outlook for Pakistan, the upcoming election, and the charges against ex-premier Imran Khan.
He dismissed concerns about the upcoming elections being “rigged” and emphasized the presence of international observers and the involvement of foreign and domestic media in reporting on the polls. Kakar also defended the freedom and fairness of the media in Pakistan, comparing it favorably to the Western media’s regulations.
Kakar also addressed the issue of Imran Khan’s arrest and the stripping of his party’s electoral symbols, stating that the fairness and freeness of elections were subjective matters. He acknowledged that Pakistan is a transitional democracy with domestic challenges, but expressed a commitment to allowing fair elections.
When asked about the recent increase in terrorist incidents in Pakistan, Kakar did not blame any particular administration, but highlighted the implications of the US and Nato withdrawal from Afghanistan. He warned of potential security risks and emphasized the need to strengthen the institutional structure of the Pakistani state.
The interview also covered the deportation of illegal immigrants from Pakistan, particularly Afghan refugees, and questioned whether US actions in Afghanistan had brought Pakistan closer to China. Kakar affirmed the strategic closeness of Pakistan and China, stating that their relationship would remain unaffected by regional events.