ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar termed May 9 violence “An attempted coup and civil war, target of which was serving Army Chief and his team in military”.

Speaking on private TV channel interim PM he said. “Vandalism and arson on May 9 were witnessed by whole world and international newspapers reported tragedy. This kind of manipulation is not acceptable in any form of government.” In his first exclusive interview, premier said government does not want to create an impression that revenge is being taken against accused of May 9 violence.

 However, he added, if legal action is not taken against those who violated country’s laws and resorted to violence, then “We will be seen as party to matter”. Interim premier maintained no political party had right to throw stones at others, abuse them and burn buildings. On role he has been chosen to perform, PM Kakar said, “I had no idea that I would ever sit on Prime Minister’s chair.”

 He shared his views on Islamabad’s policy regarding Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and other banned outfits. “State has both negotiation and force tools to deal with TTP or any banned organisation,” he said, clarifying government’s upfront policy against terrorism. Commenting on relations between India and Pakistan and role of trade in this regards, caretaker PM said final decision on bilateral trade has to be taken by Indian politicians.

 Meanwhile, Stressing need for peaceful solution to Kashmir issue as per UN resolutions, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq Kakar warned that it would be matter of concern for not only India and Pakistan but entire world if chance for peace is denied in South Asia.

Interim premier said that they do not want to go towards war with India. “Terming Kashmir core issue does not mean that we want war all time with India,” PM Kakar said, adding that Islamabad’s traditional and historical relationship with New Delhi has not been friendly.

Relationship between two neighbouring nuclear countries further deteriorated after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government rushed through presidential decree to abolish Article 370 of constitution which grants special status to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on August 5, 2019. Regarding restoration of ties with India, Premier Kakar said decision to this effect should be made by Indian polity and consciousness and world will find Pakistan as responsible partner.

To another query, caretaker premier said that world was expecting that situation in Afghanistan would improve with new government “But unfortunately, it worsened”.

He said that arms, ammunition and other military equipment left behind by US forces after withdrawing from war-torn country that creating problems. “Effects of the abandoned US military equipment in Afghanistan have started for us,” he said, adding that “Entire region” would see its impacts. “Abandoned US military equipment is an issue for entire region.”

He added that militants’ subversive activities have risen. Weapons left behind by Nato were used in attacks in Pakistan, he added. “We wanted to see peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 04 2023

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