Caretaker Prime Minister Emphasizes Economic Reform as Key to Pakistan’s Future
In a recent statement, the caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, stressed that the country’s economic improvement is crucial. He noted that no political party has yet introduced a concrete economic plan in their election manifestos.
Despite concerns, he assured the public that the upcoming general elections would not be postponed.
Furthermore, Kakar has issued a directive that prohibits federal ministers and government officials from any international travel until after the elections.
In a broadcast on Aik News, Kakar commented on the active campaigning by political parties and dismissed rumors suggesting a delay in the general elections, which are set for February 8.
He highlighted that parties are promoting promises like employment and housing, but these are dependent on a stable economy. Kakar emphasized the need for political parties to develop comprehensive plans to increase government revenue and expand the tax base.
Comparing Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio to those of Scandinavian countries, where it’s at 91 percent, he pointed out that Pakistan’s stands at a mere 9 percent. Kakar mentioned that better taxation policies would increase government responsibility to its citizens.
On the subject of election transparency, he reassured that efforts are being made to ensure the elections will be “by and large free and fair,” in line with regional standards. Despite this, he acknowledged that political parties have previously been implicated in election fraud.
Kakar encouraged all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote between 9 am and 5 pm on the day of the election to guarantee a robust voter turnout.
