Davos (Web Desk): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on reiterated that the general elections will take place in Pakistan on February 8.
In an exclusive interview with CNBC on the sidelines of World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, he said this is a constitutional requirement and everyone in the country is committed to that particular date.
He said the people of Pakistan will have a choice to exercise their right to vote and they will elect a government for the next five years.
“The elections will lead towards a stable government which will translate into economic stability,” PM Kakar said.
When asked about the economic situation, the premier said that the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Board has approved our second tranche.
“It has been priority of the caretaker government to bring economic revival and focus on growth and other economic indicators,”. Kakar said,
He said that the caretaker government will also publish a white paper on it four to five month's performance.
The premier said we did introduce a revamped program within the taxation system. He said we went for an aggressive privatization spree and cut expenditures at the federal level.
“We are also engaging with the provinces so that they can also rationalize their spending,” PM Kakar said.
Responding to a question, the caretaker premier emphasized the need for a regional approach to deal with the challenge of terrorism. We need to enhance the capacity of counter terrorism.
“Pakistan is a mid-sized power and its actual potential and role needs to be appreciated,” PM Kakar asserted.
When asked about relations with China, the prime minister said that Pakistan enjoys strategically close relations with Beijing. He said no matter what happens in the region or anywhere else, nothing can affect our relationship with China.