- Imran Khan’s arrest sparked violent protests.
- Caretaker govt prioritizes due process.
- ECP to decide election date.
PM Kakar addresses May 9 attacks, Imran Khan’s arrest, and election date. Emphasizing due process and ECP’s role in Pakistan’s political landscape.
In a recent statement, Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, characterized the May 9 attacks as a potential “attempt toward mutiny or civil war.” These attacks, carried out by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The violent protests erupt across the nation after Khan’s brief arrest on corruption charges.
During these protests, government buildings and military installations, including the residence of a senior army official. They were targeted by enraged Khan supporters who blamed the army for Khan’s arrest. Khan initially claimed that his supporters had remained peaceful. Alleging that the violence was pre-planned and orchestrated by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies to suppress his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Prime Minister Kakar, in his first exclusive interview with a private news channel. He expressed his assessment that the attacks aimed at the serving army chief and his team. He acknowledged that dozens of PTI leaders were arrested, and some subsequently quit the party upon their release, while others are evading arrest. Imran Khan himself is detained on corruption charges and faces additional cases. Also including one related to leaking state secrets, carrying a potential death sentence.
When questioned about the government’s response to the May 9 attacks and the progress of cases against those imprisoned. Kakar emphasized that the caretaker government is committed to upholding the due process of law and avoiding any perception of seeking revenge.
Regarding the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, Prime Minister Kakar emphasized that the responsibility for announcing the election date lies with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), as mandated by the country’s laws. He clarified that if the matter is taken to the superior judiciary, the government would consider its decision to be binding.