London (Web Desk): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that it would not be in the caretaker government’s control if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was legally barred from elections by the courts, after exhausting all of his legal remedies.
In an interview with BBC HARDtalk during his visit to London, the premier said that he said that there are judicial remedies available to PTI chief and if all the options are utilised judicially, then there is a possibility that he may legally be barred from that process which is beyond the control of the caretaker government.
He however, made it clear that if an individual is charged with riots, vandalism, arson and instigating people for violence, the laws of the land are there to counter this behavior.
Replying to a question regarding Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, PM Kakar reiterated that if any individual is barred from the elections, it would not be due to executive decision as that could only be through judicial outcome.
Answering a question whether Nawaz Sharif would be arrested on his return from London, the premier said that the law enforcement agencies would have to deliberate whether he had protective bail or any other legal remedies available.
In another interview, PM Kakar said in the case of Nawaz Sharif, the law should take its course as he went abroad on a court order.
The Prime Minister reiterated his government's resolve to steer the country out of prevailing challenging and difficult times and hold free and fair elections.
Rubbishing Imran Khan's allegations against the military, he said the same military worked hand in glove with PTI chief during his government and that he used to famously take credit for hybrid arrangements.
Talking about Pakistan's sacrifices in the war on terror, the Prime Minister said Pakistan had lost over 90,000 lives in the war against militancy as the country. He said Pakistan's military and paramilitary forces are doing a fantastic task of dealing with terrorism.
About his government's economic priorities, PM Kakar said that action is being taken against illegal trade of currency and hoarding. He said the government will also go for the privatization of state-owned entities like Steel Mill, PIA and Power distribution companies.
Responding a question that holding the elections within 90 days, the premier said it was the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) mandate, however, he cited Article 254 of the Constitution saying that anything not done within the prescribed period was not tantamount to being unconstitutional or illegal.