Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that playing 'victim card' could be the narrative of any political party in the electioneering for general elections to be held on February 8 next year.
He also strongly called for the Afghan Taliban to decide whether they'll take action against terrorists in Afghanistan launching attacks in Pakistan or hand them over to Islamabad.
Terror activities in Pakistan surged by 79% in the first half of 2023, according to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), showing a significant rise in militant attacks compared to last year.
Pakistan blames the Kabul government for the recent increase in terrorism and urges the Taliban to stop cross-border attacks and the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan.
In an interview on Geo News, PM Kakar criticized the interim Taliban government's inaction against terrorism and stressed the need for decisive measures.
PM Kakar affirmed his loyalty to the homeland, stating he doesn't need a certificate to confirm his identity as a Pashtun.
Emphasizing the importance of all Afghans for Pakistan, he urged honest thinking by both nations about expectations from each other.
Highlighting the need for action against terrorists, he mentioned that the Afghan government knows about hideouts of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan.
Speaking about the crackdown against illegal foreigners, PM Kakar said tough decisions were inevitable for running state affairs.
He clarified that registered Afghan refugees weren't being sent back, and only undocumented Afghan citizens faced deportation.
Reacting to allegations by mainstream parties including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), PM Kakar dismissed the victim card narrative, emphasizing the caretaker government's commitment to early elections.
With the general elections approaching, both the Imran Khan-led PTI and the Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari-led PPP have consistently voiced concerns about not having a level-playing field in the pre-election period. They allege that efforts are underway to facilitate the return to power of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and accuse the caretaker government of showing favoritism towards the PML-N.
The interim prime minister refuted claims of biased treatment and imprisonment of former prime minister Imran Khan. He noted that Imran Khan's arrest occurred before the caretaker setup.
PM Kakar urged careful consideration before making allegations.
"The PTI chairman is secure in jail, and it is our legal responsibility to ensure the safety of the incarcerated former premier. There is no personal enmity with the PTI chairman, and we reject social reports suggesting a threat to his life."
Refuting allegations of seeking personal revenge from PTI chief Imran Khan, PM Kakar affirmed the caretaker government's focus on facilitating fair and timely elections.
As general elections approach, PM Kakar emphasized the caretaker government's priority to hand over responsibilities to the upcoming elected government.
The interim premier rejected allegations of biased attitudes against any political party and clarifying the impartiality of legal proceedings.
Addressing the Israeli bombing of Gaza, PM Kakar expressed concern, stating Gaza has become a hell, especially for children.
