Pakistan’s Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, has issued a clarification regarding the recent remarks made by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq-Kakar concerning Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Chairman, Imran Khan. Solangi stated that the prime minister’s comments were taken out of context and emphasized that all political parties, including the PTI, have the freedom to participate in the upcoming general elections.
Addressing the backlash that followed the interim premier’s remarks, Solangi reassured that every political party enjoys an equal right to partake in the electoral process and that they are allowed to participate in the democratic system. However, he emphasized that punishment for crimes remains within the boundaries of the law.
“The prime minister’s remarks were reported incorrectly, and unfortunately, a particular part of the interview was taken out of context and misrepresented,” the information minister stated on Tuesday.
He further clarified, “The premier, in his interview, stressed the importance of upholding the law, which applies equally to all transgressors, whether it’s the PTI chairman or someone else.”
Solangi also clarified that the caretaker prime minister’s remarks regarding elections proceeding without the PTI leader were intended for individuals involved in vandalism and arson attacks on May 9. Those not involved in illegal activities are free to participate in the elections, he emphasized.
The information minister concluded by asserting that there are no hindrances preventing any PTI leader from taking part in the polls.
These clarifications come in response to Prime Minister Kakar’s earlier interview with The Associated Press, in which he stated, “Free and fair elections can take place without [Imran] Khan or hundreds of members of his party.” The prime minister’s comments had sparked criticism from human rights organizations and various segments of society.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) deemed Kakar’s remarks “inappropriate” and emphasized that determining what constitutes a ‘fair’ election is not within the purview of the caretaker government. The HRCP stressed that courts have yet to establish guilt in the cases faced by PTI leadership and workers.
The human rights watchdog also expressed concerns about the treatment of PTI leaders and workers, citing mass arrests, forced disassociation from the party, numerous legal cases, and curbs on freedom of expression and assembly.
The HRCP called on the caretaker government to refrain from making irresponsible, partisan statements and instead focus on creating and maintaining an environment conducive to credible and inclusive elections.
