report in The News, Sept 6, 2023
ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday said he was “certain” about the general election being held within the next three to four months.
The interim PM, when asked in an interview with a private television channel about his strategy if any future scenario demanded an extension in the caretaker setup, said as per the legal arrangement, they would move to the electoral process within three to four months.
“I think within a few months… few months can be translated into three, three-and-half or four…that needs to be seen…this will conclude and we will go to the electoral process,” he commented.
Asked again whether he expected the general elections to be held within four months, he replied, “I am not [just] hopeful [rather] I am certain.”
He said considering the limited time, his government was mulling to prioritise certain policy issues to at least lay a foundation for any future government to enable that to carry forward the journey.
To a question, the prime minister explained that even after the expiry of the term, the president of Pakistan could continue in his office till the election of his replacement. However, the Senate chairman would fill the slot, in case he voluntarily gives up the office……..
Meanwhile, during a briefing with foreign media representatives, the caretaker prime minister said that his government was not being “dictated” by the military, which had not “overstepped even slightly” during his three-week tenure. Kakar said his government had an “excellent working relationship and mechanism vis-a-vis the military institutions.”
“My 15 days of experience tell me they [army] are providing the inputs we are asking for,” Kakar said while replying to a question.
There were “no instances,” he said, in which he had felt his government was being dictated. “They are not overstepping even slightly.”
Speaking about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whether it would be given a “level playing field” in the next general elections, Kakar said there was “no question” any party, including the PTI, would be kept out of elections.
“No one is stopping any political party from participating in a normal political process,” Kakar said, ruling out “positive or negative discrimination” against any party. “Equal footing will be allowed to all political parties.”…….
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1107212-kakar-sees-polls-in-3-to-4-months
