According to the caretaker administration on Tuesday, all political parties have an equal right to participate in the general elections under the constitution and current electoral regulations. The original text from the Associated Press was released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in order to make clear that Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was using plain language to suggest that voting in elections was a right but that retribution for crimes was legally required.
He firmly asserted that the interim prime minister’s comments from a recent interview with the international news agency Associated Press had been misunderstood and misreported. The interview, the ministry Lamented, had been twisted by some outlets to suggest that someone would not be able to vote in the general elections. The following passage from the Prime Minister’s interview was highlighted by the ministry.
No one is being pursued as part of a personal vendetta, Kakar claimed. However, absolutely, we’ll make sure the law is proper. Imran Khan or any other politician who disobeys national laws by their political behavior must be held accountable, and the rule of law must be restored. That is not the same as political prejudice.
In an allusion to the unrest that erupted in the wake of Khan’s initial arrest in May, Kakar asserted that free elections may be held without Khan or the hundreds of members of his party who are currently imprisoned for crimes including vandalism and arson.
The acting prime minister continued, saying that hundreds of members of Khan’s party who stayed away from illegal activity “will be running the political process, they will be participating in the elections.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its leaders are allowed to take part in the elections like any other party, the Information Ministry reaffirmed in its statement. It has been made clear that neither the PTI as a whole nor any of its leaders are prevented from running in elections.
The statement went on to say that everyone is treated equally before the law and that anyone who is currently charged will have their case resolved according to the law. The courts are open and independent, and the interim administration neither has the power nor the desire to sway them in any way.
It was further underlined that anyone who feels wronged by a court’s order or decision has a constitutionally guaranteed right to seek redress from the court below them. The interim administration is dedicated to holding fair elections. In its statement, the caretaker government pledged to uphold the legal and constitutional framework for holding elections and to see that all directives and orders from the independent judiciary and Election Commission of Pakistan are followed in letter and spirit.
