PTI concerned over Kakar’s ‘silence’ on timely polls

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has raised concerns over the recent statements made by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, criticising his silence on the crucial issue of ensuring free and fair elections within the mandated 90-day period.

The party spokesperson expressed surprise and concern over the interim prime minister’s statement on the May 9 incidents, pointing out that he has been vocal on various matters but has remained tight-lipped on this important issue.

The PTI spokesperson further highlighted the nation's demand for an impartial and high-level judicial inquiry into all aspects of the May 9 incidents. They dismissed the narratives presented so far and called for a credible evidence-based investigation.

"The nation is still eagerly waiting for a thorough investigation into the events of May 9," the spokesperson asserted. They urged the Caretaker Prime Minister to share any credible evidence he might possess with the public.

Read Govt to abide by SC order on polls: Kakar

The PTI spokesperson went on to criticise state officials, particularly the caretaker government, for their “unsubstantiated statements” on sensitive national matters, which were contributing to chaos in the country.

Reiterating PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan's call for an impartial high-level judicial commission to probe the May 9 incidents, the spokesperson added that the caretaker premier’s television interview had displayed a lack of understanding of the constitution and his mandate.

The spokesperson emphasised that Kakar's primary responsibility was to ensure free and fair elections within the constitutionally mandated 90-day timeframe.

The PTI spokesperson also criticised the caretaker government for failing to provide relief from inflation, stating that ongoing political uncertainty was exacerbating the situation.

Highlighting the constitutional requirement for elections to be held within 90 days, the spokesperson underscored the importance of upholding democratic principles, asserting that Pakistan could ill afford undemocratic and unconstitutional actions at this juncture.

Also read Qureshi urges interim PM to ensure timely elections

Meanwhile, the PTI core committee expressed its dismay over the continued delay in granting bail to Imran. They raised concerns about the special judge's week-long leave and duty judges' reluctance to hear the PTI chief’s bail application, citing it as a worrying development.

The committee characterised Imran Khan's cases as emblematic of discriminatory justice and alleged that the judge was rushed to judgment in the Toshakhana case, flouting the principles of law and justice.

The committee further contended that efforts were underway to deprive Imran Khan of justice in the cypher case following the special judge's departure. They also called for an end to the unjust detention of PTI leaders on technical grounds.

Also read Intra-party polls: PTI given until Sept 13

Elahi’s arrest

In the meeting, the core committee reviewed the situation regarding the arrest of PTI Central President Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, which was carried out despite a court order. They expressed satisfaction with the court's issuance of a contempt of court notice against the Islamabad IG and the order for the judicial officer to recover Elahi.

The committee appealed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan to safeguard the former Punjab chief minister's rights and take stringent action against any officers found to have deviated from the law. They also urged the Supreme Court to deliver justice to thousands of innocent workers, including senior leaders and women, who were imprisoned on false charges.

In addition to these matters, the core committee reviewed the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan and criticised the government's perceived incompetence and inaction.

They appealed to the local population and relevant parties to maintain peace and requested the government to address the issue with sensitivity and expeditiously find a resolution.

The core committee concluded by demanding the immediate recovery and release of the missing PTI President of North Punjab Sadaqat Abbasi and also emphasised the importance of the immediate recovery and release of other missing persons, including Zahoor Mashwani, Barrister Hasan Niazi, and Imran Riaz Khan.