PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has categorically ruled out any possibility of negotiations with the terrorist outlet Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating all anti-state elements from the country.
Speaking to journalists in the northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa capital, the premier emphasized that Pakistan possesses the strength to combat the TTP, sheltered in Afghanistan, attacking law enforcement agencies, even if it takes a century. He was accompanied by the Caretaker Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Azam Khan, and Governor Haji Ghulam Ali.
When questioned about the hurdles to holding talks with the TTP, the Prime Minister pointed out that the most significant obstacle is the unwillingness of anyone to engage in dialogue with them. “We have no intention of engaging in talks with the TTP,” he stated, affirming that the state’s writ would be upheld at any cost.
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities, particularly in KP and Balochistan, following the termination of the ceasefire between the government and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in November last year. TTP claimed that it carried out 106 attacks on law enforcement agencies in September alone.
Pakistan Deports Only Illegal Afghan Refugees: PM
Dismissing the notion of expelling any registered Afghan refugees from Pakistan, the Prime Minister clarified that only foreigners residing illegally in Pakistan were being deported.
He explained that Pakistan’s objective was not to undermine its relationship with Afghanistan but to establish ties based on international standards, where people’s movements would be subject to visas.
PM Kakar highlighted that since illegal residents are not registered in Pakistan’s database, the state is unable to distinguish between those contributing positively to society and those engaged in criminal activities.
Regarding the fate of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif, upon his return, the Prime Minister stated that the government would follow the law.
Regarding the upcoming general elections, PM Kakar assured that the interim setup would fulfill its role in line with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision regarding the final election date.
Dollar Depreciation Slashes Pakistan’s Loans by Rs. 4 Trillion
Discussing the economic situation, the Prime Minister mentioned that the depreciation of the dollar had reduced the country’s loans by Rs. 4,000 billion, impacting the prices of various essential commodities such as petroleum products, sugar, and ghee, which would ultimately provide relief to the people. However, he expressed concern that this positive development was not receiving adequate attention.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar talked to the media and a delegation of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry today in Peshawar. pic.twitter.com/VUw9MLy7QH
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 13, 2023
All Political Parties Allowed to Participate in Elections
In response to another query, PM Kakar reiterated that all political parties registered with the Election Commission would be permitted to participate in the electoral process, and any grievances could be addressed through the Prime Minister’s Office.
During an earlier meeting with a delegation from the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Prime Minister expressed his commitment to resolving their genuine concerns through consultation. He praised his cabinet as “capable and dedicated” individuals serving the nation within their designated roles.
