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

LONDON: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar asserted that the interim government maintains no affiliations with any political party adding that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had traveled to London with court permission and would be subject to the constitution and the law upon his return.

The interim PM spoke to students at Oxford University’s Oxford Union and also addressed Pakistani media at Pakistan High Commission London at the completion of his whirlwind tour of the US and UK.

Kakar remarked, “Numerous legal aspects surround Nawaz Sharif’s return. We will seek the Ministry of Law’s guidance in this matter and act in accordance with the law.”

The interim PM emphasized that his government operates within the constitutional and legal framework. He added, “We do not wish to convey any opposition to any political leadership. The May 9th matter is currently in court and the incident occurred as per a plan.”

PM Kakar: No tolerance for external interference in Pakistan’s affairs

Regarding the orchestrated May 9th attacks on military installations by the PTI, Kakar stated, “I concur with the assessment that the May 9 events were orchestrated as part of a grand plan to target the current military leadership. It’s a sub-judice matter, so I refrain from further comment.”

Kakar stressed that anyone involved in the May 9 events, including himself, should face appropriate punishment and condemned the abuse of these events for political gain.

“My visit to London should not be politicized. I did not hold meetings with any political leaders in London,” he added.

Responding to questions about election preparations, Kakar affirmed, “We are committed to fair elections, offering PTI an equal footing. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) determines the election date, and we will abide by it. Local and international observers will monitor the elections.”

Regarding the eligibility of PTI chairman Imran Khan, Kakar said, “If the law allows Imran Khan to participate in the election, the caretaker government has no objections.”

When questioned about PTI leaders and former Premier facing serious charges, Kakar stated that those involved in vandalism, arson, and destruction of public property will face charges as per the law.

Kakar emphasized equal treatment under the law and stated, “Chaos and anarchy are not the goals of any society. Laws will be implemented rigorously. There will be no injustice or false charges against anyone.”

Kakar firmly rejected any deal with Imran Khan on May 9th related issues, stating, “There is no deal. These are standard procedures for convicting law violators.”

He acknowledged some civil-military imbalance but noted that broader criticisms of the Pakistani Army are unfounded.

Kakar highlighted foreign investments in Pakistan, including the recent billions invested in Reko Diq, dispelling notions of instability.

The Prime Minister condemned the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and accused the Indian government of involvement in acts of terrorism.

Kakar pledged to arrest all those involved in the sale of substandard injections and clarified that the IMF had not pressured the government for privatization.

“Privatization is part of our economic recovery program, targeting all loss-making institutions,” he affirmed.