PM Kakar cannot guarantee free and fair elections, claims foreign media

ISLAMABAD: In a candid admission to British media platform Sky News, Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has stirred controversy by stating that the government cannot guarantee free and fair elections.

Speaking to Sky News last night, PM Kakar reportedly remarked, “Absolute is a very relative term and it’s a very subjective term.”

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According to a piece published by Sky News, PM Kakar acknowledged the presence of shortcomings and flaws within the electoral process, but denied any systematic targeting of specific parties or groups. He emphasised, “What I can assure you is that despite all our shortcomings and flaws which there are in the system, there is no systematic pattern or institutional pattern where we are targeting a specific party or group.”

PM Kakar asserted that he had “no intention” of shutting down internet services. However, the government enacted precisely this measure earlier today, citing “recent incidents of terrorism” as justification for cutting mobile phone services nationwide.

Responding to allegations of military interference in the electoral process, PM Kakar dismissed claims of direct influence, stating, “This criticism of the military on influencing the political process is not something modern and new to the election of 2024.”

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He acknowledged the military’s opinions on various matters but insisted that they do not directly influence the democratic or political processes of the country.

The next 48 hours are poised to shape public perception, scrutiny over the government’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent election process has intensified.