Daily Times

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Monday issuing a stern warning against terrorism in Balochistan said that separatists are receiving funding from India’s RAW.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Mr Kakar acknowledged the right to protest within the constitutional framework but firmly stated that terrorism would not be tolerated. He also condemned the recent clashes in Islamabad where protesters, allegedly linked to separatist groups, engaged in stone-pelting, leading baton charges and water cannons by the police.

“We accept the right to protest, but we will not tolerate terrorism from the relatives of missing persons,” affirmed the interim PM. He went on to say that “Armed organisations are plotting to break Pakistan, and I will openly address this issue when I leave office,” added the caretaker premier.

Rejecting the notion of granting a “license to kill” to critics, Kakar asserted that the government would not spare those supporting terrorists under the guise of protest. “The fight against terrorism is not for me but for the state. Talking boldly does not solve problems; action does,” he stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the terrorism issue.

Responding to concerns about the upcoming elections on February 8, Kakar reassured the public of their readiness, affirming his commitment to casting his vote. Separately, Kakar on Monday said that the development model featuring a close liaison between the government and private sector could yield positive results for national economic growth.

The prime minister, interacting with the business community here at the Business Facilitation Center (BFC), said the enhanced interaction between the business community and the government would help increase employment opportunities, taxation as well as the GDP growth.

Lauding the idea of the BFC, he said the federal government would also play its part by establishing a liaison with the facility that would also be extended to Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. He also assured the federal government’s all-out facilitation for the business sector through multiple measures. Prime Minister Kakar appreciated the efforts by Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi for facilitation of the business sector as well as the role of the Punjab chief secretary and other provincial secretaries in the BFC’s establishment that would serve as a one window facility for the business community.