Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar assured the public of the forthcoming general elections, slated to occur within three to four months, in a recent interview with a private television channel. Dismissing the potential need for extending the caretaker setup, Kakar emphasized his certainty regarding the timeline, stating, “I am not (just) hopeful (rather) I am certain.” Kakar further elaborated that despite the expiry of the current term, the president can retain his position until a successor is elected, with the Senate chairman stepping in if the president decides to vacate the office voluntarily.
Government Initiatives and International Collaborations
During the interview, Kakar also addressed the government’s efforts to address pressing issues, such as the surge in electricity bills and the recent spike in sugar prices. He outlined the government’s plan to introduce short and mid-term solutions, including transitioning oil-based power plants to utilize local coal and privatising some significant state-owned enterprises to curb power theft and encourage investment.
The prime minister highlighted the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, a body aimed at addressing hurdles faced by investment projects. He noted that several Gulf countries have proposed collaborations, with formal agreements expected to be inked by the end of the year, fostering a positive investment climate counteracting previous fears of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) inquiries. Kakar praised the harmonious working relationship between the government and the military, hinting at future meetings with industrialists to foster economic growth.
