Caretaker Federal cabinet assures Election Commission of Pakistan of all possible assistance to ensure free, fair & transparent elections
Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi says elections will be held in 90 days or in February; this is the responsibility of the ECP
Says revamping economy is the top priority of the caretaker govt
Says we are committed to preventing the disrespect of any religion in the name of religion
ISLAMABAD ( Web News )
The federal cabinet, in its maiden meeting, has assured the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of all possible assistance and cooperation to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in the country.
Briefing media in Islamabad on Friday, about the decisions taken by the federal cabinet, Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi said the interim government is committed to comply with the directions of the Election Commission of Pakistan for transferring and posting of any individual, necessary to hold free and fair elections.
The Minister said he held a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Sikandar Sultan Raja and conveyed him the will and resolve of the cabinet in ensuring transparent polls in the country. He said that elections will be held in 90 days or in February; this is the responsibility of the ECP.
The Minister further expressed resolve and determination of the caretakers to abide by their oath and discharge their responsibilities as per law and the Constitution. He said revamping economy is the top priority of the caretaker government.
Murtaza Solangi said that the Election Commission of Pakistan was “solely” responsible for holding elections, not the interim government.
“Elections are the responsibility of the ECP. Whether they choose to conduct them in 90 days or in February, we will not prolong our stay even by a single minute,” he said.
The ECP had on Thursday decided to conduct fresh delimitation of constituencies, making it almost certain that general elections may not be held within the constitutionally stipulated limit of 90 days.
According to a schedule issued by the ECP, the electoral watchdog will complete the delimitation exercise by 14th December.
At his presser on Friday, Murtaza Solangi said the interim government was committed to providing “full cooperation” to the ECP in order to guarantee impartial and transparent elections throughout the country.
He affirmed the commitment of the caretaker government to address the nation’s challenges tirelessly, alongside its dedication to uphold the principles of “free and fair” elections.
Murtaza Solangi also confirmed his meeting with the chief election commissioner, affirming the interim government’s unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive cooperation. He emphasised that the interim setup was prepared to await further instructions from the ECP.
However, he appended that the country’s population stood at 225 million, and thus the government shoulders distinct responsibilities, including upholding law and order.
“While we narrowly avoided slipping into default, we are resolute in avoiding actions that could further destabilise the country’s economy.”
The information minister emphasised that the current caretaker government “has no authority” to reverse decisions made by the previous administration.
“We are not empowered to alter the economic or political direction, so our focus is on upholding the continuity of established practices,” he told journalists.
He mentioned that the prime minister had, however, established an economic restoration committee comprising representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Energy, the Investment Facilitation Council, and other pertinent ministries and departments.
“This committee will oversee the economic restoration process,” he elaborated.
Defending the recently sworn-in caretaker cabinet, Solangi highlighted that the new cabinet’s size was notably smaller in comparison to the previous two administrations.
“I can confidently state that the majority of individuals within the cabinet are professionals in their respective fields,” he added.
He said that during the cabinet meeting, a clear emphasis was placed on the principle of not escalating expenditures, as “we do not have moral grounds to do so”.
He shared that the prime minister also engaged in discussions with each interim minister concerning their respective portfolios. Emphasising the importance of economic matters, he quoted the premier as saying that the caretaker government would prioritise them.
“The prime minister has also affirmed that the matter of Kashmir is intrinsic to our identity, and we cannot afford to overlook it, nor do we intend to do so,” the minister added.
Regarding the Jaranwala incident, he conveyed that during the cabinet meeting, the prime minister affirmed that all citizens in Pakistan possess equal rights. He also emphasized that no sect would be subjected to injustice.
“We are committed to preventing the disrespect of any religion in the name of religion. The state stands alongside the oppressed. While we may be in the majority, we firmly reject any form of majoritarian behaviour,” he quoted the prime minister as expressing.
Responding to a query, Murtaza Solangi acknowledged the undeniable reality of economic distress, poverty, and hunger. He highlighted that those closely observing the situation recognise that “our conditions worsened progressively after 2015-16”.
“I comprehend that when there’s an increase in petrol and diesel prices, it triggers a surge of inflation — a reality we must confront.”
He clarified that a programme Pakistan entered with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) entailed certain commitments, including reduced subsidies.
“Considering our foreign exchange reserves’ status, it’s unfeasible for a country like ours to purchase costly oil and then sell it at a lower price,” he said. Murtaza Solangi said that the caretaker government could not violate the decisions made by the previous government.
Responding to a question about the arrest of PTI leaders, Solangi stated that the government “has no policy” as the matter was pending in court, while legal and investigative bodies were also diligently conducting their duties.
He emphasised that the government remained impartial and would refrain from engaging in any partisan activities, asserting, “We will neither expedite these cases nor impede their progress.”