Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar reaffirmed on Monday that the interim government had provided a level playing field for all political parties in the recently concluded elections, which were deemed 'free and fair'.
He highlighted that a significant number of independent candidates supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the largest single group in both the national and provincial assemblies
Addressing a press conference at the PM House, the prime minister said that there might be shortcomings or other minor issues, but by and large, the elections were held in a manner in which the entire nation and the law enforcement agencies deserved kudos despite various security challenges.
He acknowledged that there may have been some shortcomings or minor issues, but overall, the elections were conducted in a manner deserving of praise for the entire nation and law enforcement agencies, despite facing various security challenges.
The premier stressed that allegations of rigging were generated through social media which were based upon misconceptions and contrary to the ground realities and said that throughout the democratic history of the country, people had always questioned the electoral process.
"Where the PTI has public support, it got that and they have results never dreamt of during 2018," he remarked. He noted that those loyal to imprisoned PTI leaders emerged victorious as candidates in the general elections, yet the neutrality of the caretaker government in acknowledging this aspect went unappreciated.
Such results indicated the transparency and non-interference by any quarters, he emphasised.
In response to a question, the prime minister stated that despite facing various threats leading up to election day and enduring two terrorist attacks in Balochistan, all stakeholders deserved appreciation for the “big achievement” of ensuring peaceful conduct during the polls.
He also brushed aside any threats to the integrity of the country due to protests and agitations held by various parties by saying “it is an absurd chronology” to relate the situation during 1971.
“These are mere rhetoric. Pakistan is a very stable and responsible country. Holding of peaceful protest is the democratic right of the people,” he said. However, he added that no government could allow the situation to lead to chaos or anarchy.
Expressing his disapproval of the incidents of political confrontation in recent years, he said that all the political parties and society should move beyond such negative trends leading to animosity and conflicts.
“We should get rid of this vicious circle of confrontation by changing attitudes. Political differences should not lead to rifts within society,” he added.
He also wished speedy recovery to National Democratic Movement (NDM) chief Mohsin Dawar and said that protest and agitation should never be taken to a point of anarchy and chaos.
Responding to a query, he maintained that over 60 million voters had exercised their constitutional right to elect their favoured candidates under “a pressure-free environment”.
The caretaker prime minister said that the delay in the announcement of official results was caused by the specific procedures regarding compiling results at 92,000 polling stations and credited the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for smoothly conducting the massive exercise.
He noted that the official results were announced within 36 hours, a notable improvement compared to the nearly 66 hours it took during the 2018 elections.
While acknowledging the possibility of irregularities, he pointed out that there were appropriate forums available to address any grievances. He also highlighted international comparisons, mentioning that in Sweden, a similar process took around 10 to 11 days, and in Indonesia, it took almost a month to finalise results.
In response to another question, the prime minister highlighted that mobile phone services were suspended on the poll day due to security threats, stressing that the government could not compromise on the safety of the people. However, he clarified that broadband internet services remained operational, allowing people to stay connected. He dismissed allegations suggesting that the move was intended to control social media.
He said that there were other occasions throughout the year when the mobile services had been suspended to avert security threats.
PM Kakar, responding to a question regarding statements of Western countries over the recently held elections, said that if there were any allegations, they would look into them according to the laws of the land and not on the demands of any country.
“We will do it if is required under the country’s laws,” he said, adding that the demands of his countrymen were more important to the government and advised that statements by US Congressmen should not be taken as “sacrosanct” or gospel truth as they were not speaking on part of the government.
The elections in Pakistan were held in a free and fair manner and there was no institutional mechanism to favour any group, he stressed.
Responding to a query about prospects of forming a commission to investigate the allegations related to the polls, he maintained that it would be up to the upcoming elected government to make assessments over such demands and decide, but he would not speculate on the matter.
On the security threats, he said that there were credible reports of terrorist attacks in the country prior to the election date which could not be divulged in the public domain. A leader of the banned Da’ish was neutralised during an operation in Qilla Saifullah who was involved in terrorist attacks in Balochistan.
The caretaker prime minister also agreed with the president’s views regarding the necessity of introducing electronic voting machines (EVMs). He said that according to his personal belief, political parties should engage in comprehensive discussions in the next parliament on this issue and legislate if required so the new electoral system could be more acceptable to all.
He expressed optimism that once the current transitional period concluded and the new government was formed, there would be a positive wave hitting the markets and businesses, cautioning that economic challenges would still await the next government.
The premier also hailed the entry of new voters and said that they would make positive contributions to the democratic process in the future.
In response to a question, he said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had no objections to the privatisation process carried out by the caretaker government.
He noted that the restructuring of the PIA was nearing completion and was in the implementation phase, but it would be left to the discretion of the upcoming government to decide its course of action.
Regarding the formation of the new government, the prime minister said that they were eager to hand over the reins of the government to the elected representatives of the people.
He explained that the Speaker of the National Assembly would initiate the required process and he thought that the exercise could take eight to nine days depending upon the outcom
e of the negotiations among the political parties.
Source: Express Tribune
Kakar says level playing field enabled PTI-backed independents to emerge as single largest group in elections
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