The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched a vigorous response to Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar u Haq Kakar’s recent statement regarding the possibility of holding elections without the participation of Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Attock jail. Kakar’s comments have stirred controversy and drawn a sharp rebuke from the PTI.
In a strong rebuttal, the PTI spokesperson argued that excluding Imran Khan from the electoral process would undermine the constitutionality of the elections, as reported by Express News. The spokesperson emphasized that the PTI, being the largest political party in Pakistan, and Imran Khan, the most popular political leader, should not be sidelined from the democratic process.
During an interview with AP on Friday, Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar had suggested that elections could proceed without Imran Khan or other PTI members who are currently in custody due to alleged unlawful activities. He cited the violence that erupted on May 9 following Imran Khan’s arrest and the subsequent military court proceedings against those involved in attacks on military installations and the Lahore Corp Commander House.
In response, the PTI spokesperson expressed concern over what they perceived as Kakar’s disregard for the Constitution, democracy, and national interests. They stated that removing popular political leaders and parties through undemocratic and unconstitutional means can have disastrous consequences for the nation.
Additionally, Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar reiterated his commitment to non-interference in judicial decisions during the interview. He declined to play any role in recommending judges to overturn Imran Khan’s conviction in the Toshakhana case and emphasized that the judiciary should remain independent and not be used for political purposes.
The PTI had previously expressed concerns about Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar’s silence on the critical issue of ensuring free and fair elections within the mandated 90-day period. They called for an impartial and high-level judicial inquiry into all aspects of the May 9 incidents and insisted on credible, evidence-based investigations to uncover the truth.
As Pakistan approaches a pivotal electoral period, tensions between the PTI and the caretaker government appear to be escalating, raising questions about the future of the democratic process in the country.
