ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) launched a robust response on Sunday to Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s recent statement concerning the legitimacy of holding elections without Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Attock jail.
Kakar had suggested that the country could proceed with elections even in the absence of the former prime minister.
In a strong rebuttal, the PTI spokesperson contended that excluding PTI’s chief from contesting elections would render the entire electoral process “unconstitutional”.
During an interview with AP on Friday, PM Kakar had stated that the thousands of law-abiding members within Khan’s party would continue to engage in the political process and participate in elections. He made reference to the May 9 violence that erupted following Imran Khan’s arrest. In that case, several individuals are facing military court proceedings for their alleged involvement in attacks on military installations and Lahore Corp Commander House, also known as Jinnah House.
“Elections can take place without Imran Khan or hundreds of members of his party who are incarcerated due to unlawful activities,” Kakar had remarked.
Meanwhile, the PTI spokesperson has viewed the interim PM’s statement as a manifestation of his “disregard for the Constitution, democracy, and national interests.”
“The PTI is the largest political party in Pakistan, and Imran Khan is the most popular political leader,” the spokesperson affirmed in response to the PM’s interview.
He added, “The consequences of removing political leaders and parties with extraordinary public support through artificial, undemocratic, and unconstitutional means are always disastrous,” emphasising that the Constitution, law, democracy, and morals preclude the caretaker prime minister from participating in any unnatural, undemocratic, and unconstitutional plan to influence politics and election outcomes.
The caretaker PM during the Friday’s interview also declined to play any role in recommending judges to overturn Imran’s conviction in the Toshakhana case. In response to a question, he emphasised non-interference with judicial decisions and stressed that the judiciary should not be used as a tool for political purposes.
“We are not pursuing anyone with personal vendettas,” Kakar asserted. “But we will ensure that the law is upheld. Anyone, whether it’s Imran Khan or any other politician, who violates the country’s laws in their political conduct, must be held accountable. We cannot equate this with political discrimination.”
Earlier this month, the PTI also expressed concerns over statements made by Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar, criticising his silence on the crucial issue of ensuring free and fair elections within the mandated 90-day period. The party spokesperson expressed surprise and concern over the interim prime minister’s stance on the May 9 incidents, noting his vocal stance on various matters while remaining silent on this critical issue.
Furthermore, the PTI spokesperson emphasised the nation’s demand for an impartial and high-level judicial inquiry into all aspects of the May 9 incidents. They dismissed the narratives presented thus far and called for a credible evidence-based investigation.
