Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has said that the interim government cannot decide whether Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan can participate in the upcoming general elections.
This decision will be made by the courts, he said, adding that the interim government does not have the authority to overturn a court decision.
He made the comments in an interview with BBC HARDtalk during his visit to London.
Kakar clarified that PTI as a political party is not barred from participating in the elections, but individuals charged with offences such as riots, vandalism, arson, and incitement to violence will be dealt with according to the laws of the land. He reiterated that there will be no "harshness" towards PTI, but individuals involved in violence will face legal consequences.
He said that Imran Khan still has legal options available to him, and if he exhausts all of them, then there is a possibility that he may be legally barred from participating in the elections.
Kakar also said that any individual, including Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and President Shehbaz Sharif, could be barred from participating in the elections if a court decides so.
He said that as a caretaker prime minister, he does not have the authority to interfere with judicial decisions.
The interim premier said that the law enforcement agencies will need to consider whether Nawaz Sharif has protective bail or any other legal remedies available to him before arresting him upon his return from London.
He said that the PML-N leadership should prioritize participation in the elections over engaging in agitative politics.
Kakar reiterated his government's commitment to ensuring free and fair elections. He said that he is confident that the upcoming elections will meet all indicators of transparency.
He also addressed the issue of terrorism and acknowledged that Pakistan had lost over 90,000 lives in the war against terrorism and that the country is now facing the aftermath of the NATO and ISF withdrawal from Afghanistan.
He commended the Pakistani military and paramilitary forces for their efforts in combating terrorism.
Kakar attributed the renewed terrorist attacks to the surplus equipment left behind by the US and UK after the Afghanistan drawdown. He said that the Afghan army's arms and equipment entered the black market following the withdrawal.
The interim PM acknowledged that Pakistan is confronting the TTP on its soil, but he also noted that their asylum in Afghanistan contributes to the problem.
Kakar highlighted efforts to combat illegal currency trade and hoarding as his government's economic priorities. He also stated that the government would proceed with plans to privatize state-owned entities such as Steel Mill, PIA, and power distribution companies.
He clarified that while the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) mandates holding elections within 90 days, Article 254 of the Constitution allows for actions beyond this period without being unconstitutional or illegal.
