No one will be allowed to take nation hostage, vows Kakar

Islamabad/Gilgal__Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has voiced his support for the delimitation process, calling it “a part of the electoral and constitutional process”, stressing that the government is “fully” prepared for holding general elections.

Speaking to a private news channel on Wednesday, he emphasized that the interim government’s role is only to “support and assist” the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in holding the polls.

“We are fully prepared with regards to the allocation of funds and security situation for ensuring the preservation of the sanctity of the electoral process,” the premier said.

Voicing his support for fresh delimitations, he termed the exercise “a part of the electoral and constitutional process”.

The caretaker prime minister’s remarks are to be taken in light of the fact that political parties have been divided over the issues of election date and delimitation, with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporting the holding of elections within 90 days, whereas Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has favoured fresh delimitations — a view supported by former president and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari as well.

As per the ECP’s schedule, the electoral body will carry out fresh delimitations from September 8 to October 7.

Commenting on the upcoming general elections, PM Kakar said that he hopes that the ECP would thoroughly look into the matter of holding free and fair polls as per the Constitution. He hinted that the electoral authority will “soon” announce the election date.

Meanwhile expressing his views on the prerogative to announce the election date, the interim prime minister put his weight behind the ECP. “The president has announced the polls date, whereas it is in fact the ECP’s prerogative.”

The prime minister’s remarks echoed the statement issued by the federal and provincial law ministers earlier in the day.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has said that the problems of Gilgit Baltistan would be addressed through constitutional means, and no ‘hostage group’ would be allowed to enforce its agenda.

“The rule of One Nation and One Law will be implemented and there should be no doubt about it,” he told journalists at the opening of the outpatient department at the cardiology hospital here on Wednesday.

The interim prime minister said it was the responsibility of the State to ensure the rights of the people. Every effort would be made to resolve the problems of the people of GB and provide them with an honourable life, he added.

He vowed to focus on tapping the economic potential of GB through its tourism and energy production sectors.

Kakar said the road infrastructure of GB would be improved to enhance its connectivity with the rest of the country.

He mentioned holding detailed meetings with local stakeholders and highlighted the importance of removing mutual misunderstandings.

About financial problems faced by Gilgit Baltistan University, he said following his discussion with the vice-chancellor, the finance division had been directed to step in.

As an inclusive approach, the prime minister said he had directed the caretaker information minister to telecast air talk shows on Pakistan Television in Gilgiti and Shina languages twice a week.

Earlier, Kakar took a round of various departments of the hospital where he was briefed on the medical facilities.

The 50-bed hospital comprises emergency care, an intensive care unit, children’s ward, cardiac surgery, and treatment sections. It was told that the hospital will become fully functional by June 2024.

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, Chief Minister GB, and senior officials were present.