Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaa-ul-Haq Kakar emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and democratic continuity in the face of nationwide protests by various political parties alleging electoral malpractices.
During a press conference addressing the concerns surrounding the February 8 polls, Kakar highlighted the peaceful conduct of the elections despite numerous security challenges.
Amid widespread protests by various political parties and significant criticism directed at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for alleged “massive rigging” and “tampering with results,” the Prime Minister remarked on the possibility of irregularities, emphasizing that established forums exist for lodging such complaints.
He affirmed the democratic right to peaceful protest while cautioning that violence would be met with appropriate action.
Regarding integrating Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in future elections, PM Kakar suggested that the decision rest with the newly elected parliament and called for an open dialogue on EVMs.
The discussion follows President Dr Arif Alvi’s frustration over the delayed election results from the February 8 general elections. He noted that the crisis could have been averted had EVMs been utilized.
It is crucial to note that the ECP’s new Election Management System (EMS) failed despite previous assurances of its efficacy. President Alvi, via his X account, lamented the missed opportunity to prevent the current crisis by adopting EVMs.
PM Kakar addressed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ambitions to secure 336 seats, asserting that all political entities, including the PTI, were given equal opportunities. He questioned the claims of an unfair playing field by pointing out the significant turnout of PTI supporters at the National Assembly. He pondered the PTI’s expectations regarding the level playing field.
