LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday raised questions on the nomination process of Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar as the caretaker prime minister, expressing hope he will hold elections within the constitutionally-mandated timeframe.
The PTI spokesperson underscored importance of upholding constitutional protocols, transparency, and timeliness in the upcoming elections.
He underlined the weighty responsibility carried by Kakar in his new role, adding that the party hopes that the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leader will ensure a fair and transparent electoral process within the stipulated three-month period, safeguarding the democratic and constitutional rights of the citizens.
“For the implementation of the spirit of the Constitution and the sustenance of democracy,” the spokesperson stressed, “free, impartial, and transparent elections are of paramount importance.”
Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that Kakar was named the interim PM following the final round of consultation between outgoing premier Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Raja Riaz.
The PMO statement stated that the final consultation session was successfully completed and the two leaders agreed on Kakar’s name. “The prime minister and leader of the opposition jointly signed the advice and it was sent to the president,” it said.
Soon after, President Arif Alvi also approved the appointment of Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar under Article 224(1A) of the Constitution.
The PTI spokesperson further highlighted the pivotal role of the caretaker government in providing an equitable environment for all political parties to engage in their election campaigns.
At present, the PTI spokesperson noted, Pakistan’s leading political party, PTI, is under the “reproach” of the state, adding that thousands of PTI workers are imprisoned in jails and being subjected to the worst revenge.
Most of the fundamental rights of the citizens have been practically suspended and the provision of these rights is limited to the workers affiliated with certain political groups, he pointed out.
He further said that the assembly, politics and freedom of expression are also under restrictions in the country, as a result of which independent journalists are under criticism.
The spokesperson underscored that the incumbent government has placed constraints on the largest political party, its chairman Imran Khan, a former prime minister, raising concerns about censorship and stifling of voices.
“The caretaker prime minister will have to take immediate notice of these matters. The elimination of these irregularities must be planned on the basis of priority for the effective conduct of the elections in the country as Pakistan cannot afford any new adventurism at this time,” he maintained.
Criticising the nomination process, the spokesperson noted that the PTI, both within and outside the Parliament, stands as the country’s largest political entity. Contrary to constitutional norms, the spokesperson pointed out, PM Shehbaz failed to consult with PTI before nominating Senator Kakar for the caretaker prime minister’s role.
The spokesperson highlighted that the decision to nominate Senator Anwar Haq Kakar was made by the “puppet” PM Shehbaz and the fake leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Raja Riaz.
