In the aftermath of allegations of human rights violations in the country, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq has emphatically stated that Pakistan is not answerable to any government or congressman.
The prime minister’s comments came in response to a journalist’s question during a press conference, following his address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York. The question pertained to the interactions of Pakistanis in the United States with members of Congress regarding human rights abuses and arrests in Pakistan.
“We are not beholden to any government; we are not beholden to any congressman—absolutely not!” PM Kakar asserted, underlining the strong bond between Pakistan and the US.
He was also questioned about recent arrests, particularly those of women, which occurred during the crackdown against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) following the violent reactions of party members and supporters to Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest earlier this year.
The prime minister stated that the country’s laws are impartial, not biased toward any gender, and are equally applicable to all citizens.
PM Kakar also addressed the resurgence of terrorist threats from groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban (Pakistan) and Daesh, emphasizing that this was a grave concern for both Pakistan and the international community.
“Pakistan has been facing terrorism for the past two decades,” he remarked.
The premier underscored that a stable Afghanistan remains a crucial foreign policy priority for Pakistan and the United States. Kakar mentioned that constructive dialogues are being held with the interim Afghan government.
“We know how to defend and protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he assured, while highlighting Pakistan’s consistent respect for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity.
Regarding India’s treatment of minorities and the ensuing human rights violations, the prime minister remarked, “We must combat all forms of terrorism without discrimination, including the growing threat posed by far-right extremist and fascist groups such as Hindutva-inspired extremists, who threaten genocide against Indian Muslims and Christians alike.”
PM Kakar also expressed his condolences for the large number of people killed in Manipur. He added that New Delhi needs to oppose state terrorism, address the root causes of terrorism such as poverty and injustice, and distinguish genuine freedom struggles from acts of terrorism.
Regarding the tragic killing of a Sikh leader in Canada, which sent shockwaves globally, PM Kakar stated that ideologues of Hindutva, backed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are becoming increasingly emboldened and extending their influence beyond the region.
Speaking about his meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on the sidelines of the UNGA, Kakar described it as a multilateral meeting focused on various bilateral and multilateral interests.
Commenting on the Jaranwala tragedy in Pakistan, the prime minister affirmed that the government took swift action as a responsible state against the perpetrators of the tragic incident.
He also addressed the announcement of the general election by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), clarifying the interim government’s role in supporting the electoral body and not imposing restrictions on any political group.
PM Kakar emphasized that ECP has not banned any political party and highlighted that the election watchdog’s mandate is to conduct polls. He indicated that the date of the elections would be announced soon, while also asserting that those responsible for the May 9 violence would face legal action.
Commenting on the economic situation in the country, the prime minister mentioned that foreign investors have shown interest in investing in Pakistan due to the government’s new policies. He emphasized that attracting foreign investments in all sectors was a top priority for the interim government.
Kakar stated that the government believes in an open foreign investment regime and has established the Special Investment Facilitation Council to assist foreign investors, boost their confidence, and expedite project implementation in priority areas such as agriculture, IT, energy, minerals, and mining.
He added that there is no shortage of essential commodities and that the government has effectively tackled hoarding of flour and sugar through crackdowns and policy measures.
During his address to the UNGA earlier, the prime minister discussed the humanitarian situation in occupied Kashmir, Pakistan’s relations with neighboring nations like Afghanistan and Iran, and the upcoming elections in the country.
