Govt to probe complaints about hurdles in electoral process: PM

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Saturday promised that the government would investigate the complaints about hurdles to stop some people from taking part in the electoral process.

In an interview with a private television, he said, “People are free to vote for candidates of their choice. There is no policy to oust anyone from the political process.” He said in his opinion those who showed disruptive behaviour and were involved in the incidents of May 9 should not be allowed to hold public office. “However, the Election Commission will decide about qualification and disqualification of candidates.”

He agreed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as a whole should not be related to the May 9 incident and people should have a choice to vote for it in the election. But those who were involved in the May 9 incident should face law of the land, he asserted.

He said in 2013 and 2018, he voted for PTI as he wanted a better structure of governance and better facilities of health and education for people.

Talking about the protesters from Balochistan who came to Islamabad, he said everyone had the right to protest with lawful behaviour. However, if a situation of law and order would be created, then law enforcement agencies would come into action, he clarified. The provincial government of Balochistan and a cabinet committee was formed to look into the issues raised by the protesters.

He said Balochistan was plagued with terrorism for the last two decades, and particularly in the last two months, terrorism had risen in the country. “Our society and state are faced with the issue of terrorism.”

In some recent incidents, 15 people were burnt at the coastal highway in Balochistan, labourers were martyred at a police station in Turbat while the Hazara community was targeted in the past, he reminded, adding however not much voice was raised by the civil society about these incidents.

He expressed concern over the lack of support from political and civil organisations for the martyrs of law enforcement agencies.

He said religious and ethnic inspired violence could not be given acceptability, adding only the state had the right to use force to protect the unarmed civilians. “If we demoralise our security forces, how we can fight the war against terrorism,” he asked.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said there was no doubt that Israel was an illegal entity and there was no suggestion under consideration to recognise Israel. Netanyahu was a war criminal and war crimes of Israel should be investigated as 7,000 children were martyred, he said, adding Pakistan wanted to send relief to Palestinians and raise voice at the international forums, including Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the rights of Palestinians.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar has underscored the unwavering commitment of Pakistan to safeguarding the rights and safety of all minorities, in accordance with the constitutional guarantees.

Addressing a ceremony in connection with Christmas here on Saturday evening, he said that the protection of worship places for followers of different faiths is integral to the principles of the nation. He reiterated that the sanctity of religious diversity is embedded in the core values of the country.

He said Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) signed the treaty of Najran that assured protection to the places of worship of Christians. In view of that treaty, it was obligatory for the Muslims for all times to come to protect the religious places of Christians, he said adding, “We need to promote harmony, peace and love.”

“Our valiant armed forces which included members of all religious communities were defending and protecting our shores, land, sea, and air and we take great pride in their valour,” he added.

He lauded the role of minorities especially the Christian community in the progress of Pakistan in the fields of business, education and health. Christian teachers and missionary schools contributed immensely in shaping societies in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, he noted.

PM Kakar said when blasphemy was committed in the west against Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it was painful for Muslims. “Blasphemy should not be allowed in the name of freedom of expression,” he added.

Minister for Human Rights Khalil George appreciated the prime minister for taking significant steps for betterment of Pakistan. He said people of different faiths were living in the country in harmony, adding the Christian community was very patriotic and contributed to peace and prosperity of Pakistan.

Special Representative to Prime Minister for Inter-Religious Harmony Maulana Tahir Ashrafi and leaders from different faiths were present at the event. The prime minister along with the guests cut a cake to celebrate the occasion of Christmas.