In a candid interview with the Washington Post during his visit to New York for the 78th United Nations General Assembly session, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining neutrality in the midst of the ongoing great power competition. The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s intention to prioritize its own interests without aligning with any particular side in global rivalries, while also highlighting the West’s “over-obsession” with efforts to contain China.
Prime Minister Kakar underscored Pakistan’s perspective on international relations, stating, “It’s not a Cold War. There is no Iron Curtain here. It’s not that opaque. Everybody sees what is happening.” He further stated that Pakistan views China as its “all-weather friend” and “strategic partner,” emphasizing the importance of their relationship.
Regarding the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Prime Minister Kakar reaffirmed Pakistan’s neutral stance. He commented, “This crisis is creating challenges and, at the same time, it is creating opportunities within the region, and we are looking at it both ways.”
Addressing recent media reports alleging munitions transactions to Ukraine, the Prime Minister firmly denied any such activities, clarifying, “We have not gone for any sale which was directly intended for Ukraine, not any sort of transactions, even through a third party.”
In response to questions about the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers, Prime Minister Kakar drew comparisons to similar actions taken in liberal democracies. He stated, “Arrests are being made for unlawful actions, somebody who involved in arson or vandalism. This is not the kind of behavior which is promoted or vindicated by any liberal democracy. So why is it being even expected of Pakistan that we should condone such behaviors?”
Meanwhile, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar embarked on a private visit to Saudi Arabia. Upon his arrival, he received a warm welcome from Governor Madina Faisal Bin Salman and other senior officials at the Madina Airport. The Prime Minister is scheduled to perform Umrah in Makkah during his visit.
