ISLAMABAD: Caretaker government said under Constitution and prevalent electoral laws, all political parties had equal right to participate in general elections.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in its official statement issued original text from Associated Press to clarify that Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq Kakar was plain speaking to suggest that participating in elections was right, but retribution for crimes was legally warranted.

He categorically stated that remarks of caretaker PM during recent interview to foreign wire service Associated Press had been “Misunderstood and misreported”.

Ministry lamented that interview had been “Twisted by some outlets” to give impression that someone will not be allowed to take part in general elections. Ministry drew attention to text of Prime Minister’s interview.

Information Ministry reiterated in its statement that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and its leaders are free to participate in elections like any other party. It has been clarified that there is no impediment to contesting elections by any leader of PTI or party as whole.

“We are not pursuing anyone on personal vendetta,” Kakar said. “But yes, we will ensure that the law is appropriate. Anyone, be it Imran Khan or any other politician who violates, in terms of their political behaviour, laws of country, then restoration of law has to be ensured. We cannot equate that with political discrimination.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 27 2023

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