Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan subject to legal proceedings, says caretaker PM

LONDON: Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwarul Haq Kakar, has emphasized the government’s commitment to allowing legal processes to unfold regarding the return of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The government has formally informed the Ministry of Law about the potential arrest and incarceration of Nawaz Sharif, a prominent leader of the PML-N party.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Urdu, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar commented on the current political landscape, stating that it appears that Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader Imran Khan is not confronting the military but rather the state itself.

During his stay in London, ahead of his return to Pakistan following his address at the United Nations General Assembly, the caretaker prime minister addressed various issues in a discussion with BBC Urdu. He touched upon the imperative of ensuring fairness and impartiality in the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, while also discussing legal challenges faced by Nawaz Sharif and his imminent return to the country.

Anwarul Haq Kakar stated that he has sought guidance from the Law Ministry regarding the appropriate administrative approach of the caretaker government upon Nawaz Sharif’s return.

Nawaz to be treated according to law on return, says Kakar

He added, “I had made this inquiry with the Ministry of Law before my visit to the United Nations. At that time, it was uncertain when Mian Sahib would return, but now we will convene a meeting upon his arrival.”

Responding to a query about his earlier remarks on potential consequences for Imran Khan, the Prime Minister clarified, “My intention in mentioning consequences for Imran Khan was that if, after exhausting all legal avenues, they are still prevented from participating in elections under the law, it will be beyond our mandate to provide relief. The law will take its course.”

Regarding the perception of a power struggle between Imran Khan and the military, Anwarul Haq Kakar asserted, “No, I view it as Imran Khan versus the state.”

Discussing Nawaz Sharif’s return, the Caretaker Prime Minister affirmed, “In his case as well, we wish to uphold the rule of law. It should be remembered that he left the country with a court order.”

Recalling that Nawaz Sharif was transferred from prison to a hospital in November 2019 due to health concerns, he stated, “Serious concerns about his health were raised in the media, and medical experts confirmed his illness, leading to government permission for his overseas medical treatment.”

Despite assurances given by Shahbaz Sharif in court, Nawaz Sharif did not return to Pakistan after treatment. However, after a four-year absence, he has announced his return on October 21, with the possibility of arrest due to prior convictions by the Supreme Court.

Anwarul Haq Kakar emphasized the dual nature of Nawaz Sharif’s case, stating, “There are political aspects, but, without delving into that, we must consider it under the existing laws. The decision to allow a convicted individual to leave the country was made by the courts, not the executive. This matter rests with the courts, not the executive branch.”

When asked if he recognized Nawaz Sharif as a convicted person, Kakar replied, “Regardless of my personal stance, when a person has been sentenced, rightly or wrongly, by higher courts, it is not within my purview to alter or enhance that punishment.”

He also noted that the verdict against Nawaz Sharif was specific to an individual, and while some individuals chose to align themselves with him, his political party won around 90 seats in subsequent elections.

Regarding ensuring government neutrality in elections, the caretaker prime minister pledged, “There will be absolutely no bias against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf. However, individuals involved in unlawful activities will face legal consequences. Such individuals constitute a minority within the population, and connecting them exclusively to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf would be an unfair assessment.”

In response to a question about comparing actions taken against Tehreek-e-Insaaf with those against the People’s Party during General Zia’s regime or against the Muslim League during General Musharraf’s tenure, Kakar criticized such comparisons as “absurd” and “inaccurate.”

He stressed that drawing parallels between a civilian caretaker government and military regimes was unwarranted, as Pakistan’s constitution remained in force, courts continued to operate, and fundamental rights were upheld.

He concluded by asserting that equating the current situation with past military interventions would be inappropriate.