The caretaker prime minister, PM Kakar, recently expressed his views during a talk show on a private TV channel. PM Kakar stated that it is the prerogative of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to announce the election date. The caretaker government is fully prepared to assist the electoral process, ensure law and order, and handle financial matters related to the elections.
Delimitation is an essential and constitutional process, and the president has advised the ECP in this regard. The ECP will hold deliberations on delimitation, and PM Kakar assured that the caretaker government will support the ECP in this process.
Furthermore, PM Kakar mentioned that they have identified officials and political personalities involved in smuggling and illegal trade activities at the federal and provincial levels. Relevant authorities are gathering evidence against them, which will be presented in court, leading to their conviction. PM Kakar assured that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such activities.
PM Kakar also highlighted the issue of money laundering, where US dollars are converted into different currencies and stored across the region. This process has been happening for the past one and a half years, but now the government is cracking down on this system through physical operations and border management laws.
He further mentioned that hoarding and smuggling have contributed to artificial inflation. However, ongoing operations have yielded positive outcomes, such as a reduction in the price of sugar. The caretaker prime minister appreciated the contribution of the current chief of army staff towards the national economy.
When asked about the trials of PTI chief Imran Khan, PM Kakar stated that such matters should be left for the courts to decide. Regarding the arrest of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, he clarified that it is within the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies to determine whether handcuffing is permissible or not.
Addressing the return of PML-N leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan, PM Kakar emphasized that law enforcement agencies will decide whether he should be arrested or not according to legal procedures. He also welcomed the incoming Chief Justice of Pakistan and expressed hope that he would initiate judicial reforms.
Lastly, PM Kakar mentioned the situation in Afghanistan and the disappearance of the Afghan national force after the withdrawal of US forces. He noted that weapons given to the Afghan national army have now surfaced in black markets worldwide, and terrorist organizations like TTP, Daesh, and BLA have utilized these weapons in terrorism activities inside Pakistan.