Islamabad: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has said that general elections in country could be conducted prior to January-February 2024.

In an interview with private TV channel he however, reiterated that deciding date for polls was prerogative of Election Commission of Pakistan.

If Supreme Court issues an order regarding upcoming elections, caretaker government would also comply with it, he added. He vowed that they would ensure provision of level playing field to all political parties during upcoming general elections in country. “Everyone will be allowed to hold public meetings and rallies,” he added. Responding to query, he said that he did not consider those involved in May 9 were terrorists. “May 9 characters violated law and those who violated law should be brought to their logical end.”

He clarified that he was not against PTI as party, adding that he was against those who attacked state institutions and damaged public properties.

To another question, he said that they wanted to put country’s economy in right direction so that next elected government could take it forward. “Charter of economy is beautiful slogan,” he said. Premier said that he would be happy if there was “Charter of democracy” among political parties.

Agriculture, mineral and IT sector could fetch foreign investment worth $ 25 to $ 50 billion, he hoped, adding that UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar expressed their keen interest in Reko Diq and other sectors.

Replying to query about relief to electricity consumers amid sky-rocketing inflation, he revealed that IMF did not oppose targeted subsidy for poor electricity consumer. He announced that they would make some tough decisions and would try to extend tax net by 20 to 22 percent. “90 percent of people do not pay their taxes.” Tough decision would ultimately benefit masses, he added.

PM said that he would make sincere efforts to meet their goals. He said that they were focusing on boosting trade with other countries.

Meanwhile meeting with ICCI deelegation PM Kakar told that government was reforming tax system through digitisation and underscored need to boost tax collection for economic development.

Statement comes day after Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) briefed  PM on taxation system, as well as measures being taken to expand taxpayer base and get more retailers integrated into Point-of-Sale system of FBR.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 08 2023

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