During a recent interview, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar hinted at the possibility of conducting the general elections before January- February 2024. He emphasised that the final decision on the poll dates lies with the Election Commission of Pakistan. However, he mentioned that the government is eager to finalize preparations to ensure free and fair elections. The interim prime minister assured that if the Supreme Court orders any directive regarding the elections, the government would duly comply, adding that “the government is bound to implement the verdict issued by SC.” Kakar committed to providing an equal platform to all political parties during the elections, with permissions in place for public meetings and rallies.
Addressing Recent Incidents and Economic Focus
Kakar commented on the May 9 incidents, clarifying that he does not regard the involved individuals as terrorists, albeit law violators who should face legal consequences. He emphasized that his opposition was directed at those who attacked state institutions and vandalized public properties, not against the PTI party as a whole. Speaking on the economic front, the caretaker PM expressed a desire to steer the country’s economy in a promising direction, highlighting potential foreign investments ranging from $25 to 50 billion in the agriculture, mineral, and IT sectors, with significant interest from UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, particularly in the Reko Diq and other sectors.
Furthermore, in light of the soaring inflation, Kakar discussed the IMF’s agreement to a targeted subsidy to aid impoverished electricity consumers. He criticized the unfair shift of the electricity theft burden to honest billpayers and declared plans to privatize the ex-Wapda distribution companies to address the issue.
Moreover, the PM intends to expand the tax net by 20 to 22%, observing that most of the populace does not fulfil their tax obligations. This stringent measure, he believes, would eventually benefit the general public. Kakar concluded with a promise of dedication towards achieving these goals, emphasizing a concentrated effort to enhance trade relations with other nations.
