Islamabad: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq said that they have no concrete evidence whether Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan orchestrated May 9 events.

In an interview, he discussed whether individuals involved in events of May 9 should undergo military trial during caretaker period and reiterated that those implicated in events should be punished.

.Regarding allegations surrounding founder of PTI and his involvement in May 9 incidents, Kakar revealed that he has not received any conclusive information. He emphasised that basing punishment on mere intelligence reports for May 9 was insufficient. He stated that several individuals from PTI involved in May 9 events were in hiding, which would certainly hinder their future political participation.

Caretaker Prime Minister emphasised that entire party should not be punished for events of May 9, only those directly involved. However, he assured public that once comprehensive investigation concludes, all findings regarding May 9 will be transparently shared through Inter-Services Public Relations-media and public relations wing of Pakistan Armed Forces.

He disclosed his voting preferences, revealing that he voted for PTI in both 2013 and 2018, but won’t do it in upcoming elections in February. Caretaker PM Kakar underlined need for peaceful transition of power.  He said that election results will come out either by evening of February 8 or morning of February 9 and it will come to fore who people who have chosen.

In context of Balochistan, he acknowledged historical challenges faced by region, including talks and conflicts. He highlighted diverse phases that movements undergo, especially when violence becomes tool. Interim PM said that allegations continue to swirl around missing persons, but it was required to get to heart of this issue.

He added that several armed groups operate violently in Balochistan and no one, according to constitution, is allowed to resort to violence. Kakar said that organisations, deemed international terrorists, have no place in peaceful society, while lamenting that particular section of society supports them as rights’ movement.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 08 2024

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