Prime Minister Kakar Addresses Election Preparedness

 Prime Minister Kakar Addresses Election Preparedness, Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations, and Counterterrorism Strategies .Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar asserted on Friday that while different political parties may hold varying opinions regarding the upcoming general election, the caretaker government is committed to conducting the polls promptly upon the announcement of the schedule by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Speaking to the media, PM Kakar emphasized the caretaker government's responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all political parties, stating that every registered party with the ECP has the right to file nomination papers for its candidates.

Addressing inquiries about the possible return of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, PM Kakar assured that all actions would be conducted in accordance with the law.

Discussing Pakistan's relationship with Afghanistan, the Prime Minister expressed the country's desire to establish a 'healthy' association with its neighbor. He advocated for cross-border movement based on internationally recognized principles for visas and passports, aiming to transition from the current strained relationship to a more positive one. While acknowledging that only a fraction of Afghan nationals might be involved in adverse activities, PM Kakar affirmed that the state would address challenges, including social, criminal, and militant issues, in its best interest.

On the issue of illegal Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan, PM Kakar outlined a policy to send back those who are in the country without proper authorization. He clarified that this action did not imply a complete severance of ties with Afghanistan, emphasizing that the absence of these individuals from any database presented a challenge for Pakistan. The Prime Minister stated that provinces had shared their challenges related to identifying, sheltering, and repatriating illegal Afghan nationals, and a rationalized policy would be implemented to ensure a collaborative effort between provinces and the federal government.

Regarding negotiations with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), PM Kakar categorically ruled out any possibility of talks. He stated that the state was sufficiently powerful to combat the banned terror group, emphasizing that there was no intention to engage in dialogue with the TTP due to their involvement in acts of violence, particularly against children.

Commending Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) for confronting militancy on the frontline, PM Kakar pondered how other regions might have responded to a similar situation. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people of KP and underscored that realizing the dream of a secure Pakistan required such sacrifices to ensure the safety of future generations. The Prime Minister also met with KP Governor Ghulam Ali and caretaker KP Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan to discuss the overall security situation in the province. Additionally, he awarded Rs0.5 million to Constable Umar Saeed, who bravely thwarted a militant attack in district Hangu.